Jessica Pegula continues to fuel anticipation of American success at the US Open this year after setting up a clash with Aryna Sabalenka in the final.
It turns out that last month’s Cincinnati final between Pegula and Sabalenka was nothing more than a dress rehearsal for Saturday’s championship match at Flushing Meadows.
The Belarusian cruised to a comprehensive win and soon established herself as the firm favorite to clinch the title at the US Open.
Pegula, however, has impressed at her native grand slam. The 30-year-old is into her maiden major final after an inspiring run that includes a breathtaking win over world number one Iga Swiatek.
It will be an eagerly-anticipated final and also fitting that it will be contested between the two hottest players on the tour right now.
Jessica Pegula prepares for US Open showdown vs Aryna Sabalenka
Pegula was on the brink of defeat against Karolina Muchova in her semi-final but mustered up the courage to produce an epic comeback.
Things will ramp up in the final, however, when she faces world number two and reigning US Open finalist Aryna Sabalenka.
“I will try and practice, super light, around the same time that I will play the final on Saturday just to get my biological clock on the same time frame,” Pegula said of her preparations.
“It depends on how I am feeling in the morning but I am not going to overdo it and try and get ready for Saturday. Just rest and a little active recovery, I will see if my trainer wants me to do anything tomorrow, but just make sure the body and everything is feeling good.”
Pegula faces biggest match of her career
Jessica Pegula has played some important matches throughout her career, but this will be her biggest to date.
The world number six reached the final of the prestigious WTA Finals last year but won just a singular game as she was comprehensively beaten by Swiatek.
Pegula will be hoping for a different scoreline when she steps foot on Arthur Ashe Stadium on Saturday.
Sabalenka is chasing her third grand slam title after claiming back-to-back crowns at the Australian Open this year and she will be hungrier than ever to triumph in New York after falling short in the final 12 months ago.
Regardless of the result, Pegula’s inspired run sparks much promise of what is in store throughout the remainder of her career.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
