Jessica Pegula shares how she really felt throughout her US Open final vs Aryna Sabalenka

Follow us on Google Discover

Jessica Pegula played her part superbly in a tantalizing US Open final against second seed and tournament favorite Aryna Sabalenka.

It was uncharted territory for Jessica Pegula, who prior to this year’s US Open, had never reached a Grand Slam semi-final in her career.

Despite getting to the last eight six times, the American, through bad luck, a difficult opponent, or nerves, could never manage to progress.

After this year’s quarter-final jinx undone after Pegula’s victory over top seed Iga Swiatek, her semi-final comeback win over Karolína Muchova kept the dream alive.

However, despite several attempts at a comeback, a once flustered Aryna Sabalenka blocked out the nose and the haunting memories of last year’s final defeat, to regain control of the match and clinch her maiden US Open title.

Jessica Pegula reveals what her nerves were like throughout the US Open final

While Pegula was experiencing a completely novel moment in her career, already a two-time major winner Sabalenka was arguably the more nervous.

Having led by a set in last year’s final to Coco Gauff, the Belarusian squandered the advantage and missed out on the title.

Pegula shared how she dealt with the pressure in her press conference after the final.

“Today I actually felt really good and I wasn’t really that nervous,” the 30-year-old explained. “I just felt like I was ready to go and it was a fun atmosphere.

“Obviously it maybe changes once you’re in the match but I didn’t feel flat, I didn’t feel nervous, I actually felt really good so I thought that was a good sign. I thought I handled the moment more or less pretty well besides obviously not winning but as far as everything else, I think I did a good job.”

Jessica Pegula’s ability to handle the pressure is becoming one of the best on the WTA

You could have reasonably counted Pegula out of winning her quarter-final after a career of hiccups at that stage.

Similarly, after she trailed a set and a break to Karolína Muchova, you would have been sensible to back the Czech to progress to the final.

However Pegula’s plucky, considered approach from the back of the court is something she has clearly worked on.

Not only did Pegula make sure she posed Sabalenka a question, she pushed the world number two right to the end, ensuring that she properly earned her first US Open crown.