"It's crazy we're playing each other again" - Jessica Pegula eyes revenge on Aryna Sabalenka in US Open final days after defeat in Cincinnati

Jessica Pegula seeks revenge on Aryna Sabalenka at the US Open final days after her Cincinnati Open defeat. The American won the US Open semifinal over an unseeded Karolina Muchova.

Pegula struggled early in the match, as Muchova convincingly won the first set 6-1. However, with the support of the Arthur Ashe crowd, Pegula mounted a strong comeback, winning the next two sets 6-4, 6-2 to advance to her first Grand Slam final.

The 30-year-old has had a phenomenal North American swing, winning the Canadian Open and reaching the Cincinnati Open final. She has carried that form into the New York Major, but next in her path is Aryna Sabalenka, who defeated her in the Cincinnati Open final.

Sabalenka advanced to her second consecutive US Open final with a straight-sets victory over Emma Navarro. She also holds a 5-2 head-to-head record against Pegula, presenting a tough challenge for the sixth seed.

During her on-court interview after the semifinal win, Pegula was asked about reaching her first Major final and facing Sabalenka. The American expressed her excitement about making the final while recognizing the tough challenge the Belarusian would present.

"I mean first of all, I am just happy I was able to turn this match around on such a big stage and figure it out. But two, playing Aryna is going to be really tough," Pegula said.

While acknowledging Sabalenka as the favorite, Pegula expressed her desire to defeat her in their rematch of the Cincinnati Open.

"I mean she showed how tough she is, and why she's probably the favorite to win this tournament. It'll be a rematch of Cincinnati, so hopefully I can get some revenge out here. But I am happy to have a day off. It's kind of crazy that we're playing each other again in the finals," she said.

"But I think it shows how much great court tennis we've been playing and she's gonna be obviously tough to beat. But that's what the finals are for, so I am ready," she added.

While Jessica Pegula will be vying for her first Major title at Flushing Meadows, Aryna Sabalenka will aim for her third.

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"Glad that they're able to share this moment with me": Jessica Pegula on winning the US Open SF in front of family

2023 WTA Finals - Day 5 - Source: Getty

Jessica Pegula’s family was also in Arthur Ashe Stadium, witnessing her remarkable achievement. In the aforementioned interview, Pegula shared how incredible it was to win the semifinal in front of her loved ones.

"I mean it's amazing. I have my brother there and my sister there, on the screen with my dad and my brother in law, lots of friends, lots of family all scattered around. Obviously my husband. He is not even standing up he doesn't want to be seen, Pegula said."

Pegula further expressed gratitude for having so many family members supporting her at her matches and was happy to share the triumph with them.

"But yeah, I have so much family here and they've been here watching a lot of my matches so to still be here and have them still here supporting me is crazy. I am glad that they're able to share this moment with me," she added.

Pegula, who lost the first set by a significant margin of 5 games, became the fourth woman—after Aryna Sabalenka, Victoria Azarenka, and Svetlana Kuznetsova—to win the match despite dropping the first set by that score.

The men's singles final at the New York Major will also feature an American following the semifinal match between Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe. This marks the first time since Wimbledon 2009 that the men’s and women’s finals will feature an American player.