New York, Sep 06 (V7N) — In a thrilling turn of events, Jessica Pegula made a stunning comeback to defeat Karolina Muchova and book her place in the US Open final. Pegula, ranked sixth in the world, overcame a set and a break deficit to win 1-6, 6-4, 6-2 in the semi-final match held on Thursday.
 
Pegula will now face Aryna Sabalenka, the world number two and reigning Australian Open champion, who also advanced to the final by defeating Emma Navarro 6-3, 7-6 (7/2).
 
Pegula, reflecting on her dramatic match, shared, “I thought I was lucky to still be in it. She made me look like a beginner, and I was on the verge of tears. But it all came down to small moments, and I’m still not sure how I turned it around.”
 
Pegula has been in exceptional form on the US hard courts this summer, winning 15 of her last 16 matches, including a title in Toronto and a runner-up finish in Cincinnati to Sabalenka. “It’s a chance for revenge, but she’ll be tough to beat,” Pegula commented about her upcoming final opponent.
 
Facing Muchova in her first Grand Slam semi-final after six prior quarter-final exits, Pegula struggled initially. She lost the first set in just 28 minutes and fell behind 2-0 in the second set. Pegula had to fend off a break point to avoid a 3-0 deficit, leading many spectators to leave Arthur Ashe Stadium, anticipating a second American defeat.
 
However, Pegula rallied back, winning eight of the last 10 games as Muchova’s 40th unforced error ultimately decided the match.
 
Earlier in the day, Sabalenka secured her place in the final by overcoming Navarro and a vociferous home crowd. Navarro, in her first major semi-final, put up a strong fight, coming back from a 3-5 deficit in the second set to force a tiebreak, but Sabalenka’s power and precision prevailed. Sabalenka hit 34 winners compared to Navarro’s 13.
 
Addressing the crowd after her match, Sabalenka remarked, “It’s a bit too late for cheers now, but it means a lot. Even though the crowd was supporting her, I felt the support, and it gave me goosebumps. The atmosphere was incredible.”
 
Looking ahead to the final, Sabalenka expressed readiness for any opponent. “I don’t really care who I face in the final. Today’s match was a good test of the crowd’s support for my opponent, and I’m prepared to face whoever,” she said.
 
Navarro, reflecting on the match, acknowledged the challenge but remains optimistic about future opportunities. “I might not have handled the situation perfectly, but it’s an experience I look forward to repeating,” she concluded.
 
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