Jessica Pegula has finally secured a first-ever Grand Slam final after beating Karolina Muchova in the US Open semi-final.
Pegula made it through the ‘weird’ semi-final at the US Open, beating the Czech star 1-6, 6-4, 6-2 at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The home favourite has now set up a final meeting with 2023 runner-up Aryna Sabalenka, who edged past Emma Navarro in her semi-final.
Sabalenka has called Pegula ‘incredible’ ahead of the match, which is a rematch of last month’s Cincinnati Open final.
The Belarusian came out on top in that meeting in Cincinnati, extending her head-to-head record over Pegula to 5-2.
Chris Evert reacts to Jessica Pegula reaching the US Open final
But the American can certainly rely on her US Open form for confidence going into the match, having overcome world number one Iga Swiatek in the quarter-finals.
Her latest win has delighted six-time US Open champion Chris Evert, who wrote on X: “So happy for Jessica Pegula reaching her first final of a Slam! No one deserves it more than her.”
Does Aryna Sabalenka face an uphill US Open final battle vs Jessica Pegula?
Both Pegula and Sabalenka have proven their superb ability on hard courts, meaning there will be little room for error in the final.
The Belarusian undoubtedly has the historical advantage over her opponent, but the American should be able to rely on heavy support from the US Open crowd.
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That said, Sabalenka is now well used to taking on Americans in New York, having just beaten Navarro and indeed played Coco Gauff in last year’s final.
It is an intriguing match-up, and one that should be a very entertaining watch for those inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Evert will no doubt be backing her compatriot Pegula, particularly given that Sabalenka just knocked out fellow American Navarro.
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