Jessica Pegula news
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The gist
Jessica Pegula beat Emma Navarro 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 to reach a third straight US Open semifinal.
She now faces No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, with the world No. 1 ranking still.
Background
Pegula, a 32-year-old from Buffalo ranked No. 3, has been one of the most consistent winners on the WTA Tour this season, leading the tour with 50 match wins and reaching five tournament finals. She was the 2024 US Open runner-up and a semifinalist last year, and also made the semifinals at the 2026 Australian Open. Her quarterfinal against fellow American Emma Navarro drew extra attention because both players come from prominent wealthy families.
How it unfolded
- Sep 6, 2026Pegula beats Sorana Cirstea 6-3, 6-4 in the fourth round to reach her fourth US Open quarterfinal in five years, praising Cirstea, who plans to retire at season's end.
- Sep 8, 2026Pegula faces No. 26 seed Emma Navarro in an all-American quarterfinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
- Sep 8, 2026After dropping the first set 6-3, Pegula wins 6-4, 6-3 to reach her third consecutive US Open semifinal and claim her tour-leading 50th win of the season.
- Sep 10, 2026Pegula is scheduled to face No. 1 seed and two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals, a rematch of their 2024 US Open final.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- Pegula is among the most reliable winners in women's tennis this year, but Sabalenka remains her biggest test.
- Caution
- Pegula said she 'wasn't exactly serving my best' and was 'fighting a lot of demons,' while her coach Mark Knowles told ESPN she played too passively between sets.
- Support
- Pegula's ability to reset her mindset mid-match is seen as a strength that could help against Sabalenka.
Still unverified
Pegula's path to the WTA No. 1 ranking is described as possible if she wins the US Open, but this depends on other results and is not confirmed.