Trailing her U.S. Open semifinal against Karolina Muchova 1-6, 0-2, 30-40, Jessica Pegula undoubtedly would have lost the match if she had lost the next point. After all, a set and a double-break deficit–especially one as lopsided as 1-6, 0-3–is a death knell against an opponent playing as well as Muchova.
And Muchova seemingly had that next point won, too. The Czech was running Pegula all over the court, but the American came up with an incredible forehand pass.
Pegula ended up holding for 1-2 and her comeback was on. The 30-year-old American eventually prevailed 1-6, 6-4, 6-2.
Pegula talked about the turning point afterward.
“I was thinking, ‘Alright, that was kind of lucky,” she admitted. “‘You’re still in this.’ It comes down to really small moments that flip momentum.”
The world No. 6 will face Aryna Sabalenka for the title on Saturday afternoon.
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wowzer
Big Al told us how well Pegula was playing, really should’ve listened, my bracket would look quite different!
I did know how well Pegula was playing. There was tennis coverage up until the second week of the US Open, and then there was a complete blackout because Disney took over everything US Open on ESPN, which also meant no live coverage on Tennis Channel. It’s my Direct TV that provided me with tennis on ESPN. TC Will maybe replay some 2024 US Open matches at some point. But for me to watch this year, it meant joining Disney Channels in a bundle with ESPN+ and Hulu! It was ridiculous for me. As sports go, I only have time for tennis. Disney and Hulu entertainment isn’t for me, either.
I’ll wait and see what happens. This sort of thing is not new.
But congrats to both the Sabalenka/Pegula winning brackets: Big Al #! and Mira Andi xo!
My local ABC affiliate will broadcast the US Open men’s final on Sunday. (sheesh, snubbing the WTA? in this century?)
I’ll be cheering for the Sinner, man!
Am very disappointed for Karolina. Obviously the longer the match went on the more it would favour Pegula given Karolina didn’t play for a year and had physical issues in her last match.
Think Pegula got more than a bit lucky.
Should clarify that I am nonetheless happy for Jess and it would be good to see her win a major.
Very kind of you, amy 😀
It’s not that I don’t like her (other than people that wealthy usually vote for Trump with his billionaire tax cut. I’m over it; people will do what they think they must.
I have to focus on survival. Another week before, maybe a cool down, and the smoke still clears out.
Amazing that Jessie turned that match around!!!……but Sabalenka in 2.