Andy Roddick thinks there was an ‘interesting’ narrative during Jessica Pegula’s US Open run that nobody would normally care about

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There was anticipation of American success at this year’s US Open, and Jessica Pegula delivered on the women’s side by reaching the final.

Having been beaten at the quarter-final stage of a grand slam on six previous occasions, Pegula was able to break free and surge into unchartered territory.

Pegula was on the brink of defeat in her semi-final against Karolina Muchova but managed to muster up the courage to produce an epic comeback.

However, the fairytale run came to an end in a thrilling championship match, where she came unstuck by the blistering power of Aryna Sabalenka, losing 7-5, 7-5.

Despite suffering defeat at the final hurdle, Pegula will be able to leave New York with her head held high, having reestablished herself as the world number three and American number one.

What did Andy Roddick say about Jessica Pegula at the US Open?

Jessica Pegula announced herself as one of the favorites heading into the US Open with her stellar campaigns in Toronto and Cincinnati, and she was able to deliver when it mattered.

The 30-year-old outplayed world number one Iga Swiatek in an emphatic semi-final before putting up a valiant fight against a red-hot Sabalenka.

READ MORE: Aryna Sabalenka admits she was stunned by what Jessica Pegula did in the US Open final that she never expected

Former US Open champion Andy Roddick has been rather vocal about the resurgence of American tennis, so, understandably, he was one of the first to offer their thoughts on Pegula’s impressive run to the final.

Analyzing this year’s edition of the tournament on the ‘Served with Andy Roddick‘ podcast, the former world number one said: “Just to put a bow on Jess’ run, I think there’s like, maybe it isn’t an issue mentally but when you have to answer for it over and over and over again it might become it.

“It’s like a story you have to answer to, and frankly, no one would give a s*** about Jess Pegula not being past the quarters if she wasn’t so good. Like, if she didn’t produce and win Masters 1000s and career-high three in the world, and if there weren’t frankly a lot of other players who are a lot less accomplished who have made Slam runs and even won Grand Slams.

“I think the narrative was especially interesting because she outperformed her Grand Slam performances so consistently on the other weeks of the year.”

Pegula in position for WTA Finals redemption

Pegula has come a long way since the trouncing she received from Swiatek in the final of last year’s season-ending WTA event.

The American won just one game as she was beaten comprehensively by the Pole in a fairly underwhelming conclusion to the season.

However, Pegula has been one of the standout players on the North American hard courts over the past month and looks in prime position to avenge her showing at the Finals.

Pegula has posted a 17-2 win-loss record since being ousted in the Olympics last month, beaten only by Sabalenka, who is widely regarded as the best hard-court player.

If she can maintain this imposing form, Pegula will be in with a real shot at silverware in Riyadh.