Jessica Pegula strolled nonchalantly into the press room on Thursday night wearing a white Yankees jacket and black spandex shorts, nursing a root beer lollipop as she processed her 2025 US Open semifinal loss to Aryna Sabalenka.
She was just as cool fielding questions as she had been on the court for two hours and five minutes. But she could not find a way to have had a different outcome in the rematch of last year’s New York final, dropping a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 decision
Their match under the roof in Arthur Ashe Stadium marked the first time either player had dropped a set all tournament. Pegula, 31, was trying to become the fourth American woman to reach a major final this year, along with Australian Open champ Madison Keys, Roland Garros winner Coco Gauff and Wimbledon finalist Amanda Anisimova—all of whom beat Sabalenka during their 2025 Grand Slam runs.
“I thought it was really high level,” Pegula said of the semifinal. “I played some really good points to win the first [set]. She upped her level, started serving a lot better in the second. Then I felt like it was really even in the third. There wasn't that much difference.”
Sabalenka won 90 of the 178 points played. Pegula won 88.
“She came up with some ridiculous shots, like, on break point,” Pegula said. “I didn't feel like I did much wrong. We were pushing each other every single game.
“Strategically, I played her much better than I have played her the last few times. I feel like going into [our] next match, I kind of know what I need to do. Obviously, executing it is a different story.
“There were some very small things I could have done different at the end, but, I mean, I'm nitpicking. I was hitting some good returns and she's going to blast first-ball winners, literally some of them on the line. I don't know what I'm supposed to do about that.
“It's too good. That's how she plays. She plays really fearless. That works for her.
“I don't think I play like that. I don't think some other players play like that. It was too good from her today at some points.”
Even though Pegula now trails Sabalenka 2-8 in t heir head-to-head, the American’s confidence is unshaken.
“I never feel like I go out there and I'm getting blown off the court. Maybe the only time was when I played her specifically in Cincinnati, and she served like Serena. I was, like, it's too good.
“I know I didn't play a seed until I got here [meeting No. 1 Sabalenka in the semifinals], but I was playing good tennis,” Pegula said. “Considering where my summer started and how it was trending, I'm happy to walk away with putting in the effort that I was able to put in tonight against the best player in the world right now.
“I always feel like I'm close,” she continued. “I always feel I can go out, and I can beat these girls. Even though maybe I don't have the massive weapon that some of them have, or the flashiness that some of them have, I feel like I'm always right there every time I play them.
“The crowd was insane, as always. Arthur Ashe, 7 p.m., there is no place better to play as an American.”
