AFTER half a dozen losing Grand Slam quarter finals, American Jessica Pegula was finally able to reach the final four at a major, defeating world number one Iga Swiatek in front of home fans. In her best major quarter final to-date, Pegula made relatively surprising light work of the top ranked player, winning 6-2 6-4 to make the US Open semis.

Pegula, who is a New York native was able to break the barrier that had previously held her back, and post-match the American could hardly contain her excitement and relief.

“Thank god I was able to do it, and finally, finally, I can say semi-finalist,” she said.

“To do it primetime, in Ashe, against the No. 1 player in the world, it’s crazy. But I knew I could do it, I just had to go out and execute my game.”

The world number six took 88 minutes to win and though both players hit 12 winners, Pegula hit less 19 less unforced errors (22-41). The American broke four times to one in the match, and was far superior upon return, winning 47 per cent of her receiving points compared to Swiatek’s 31 per cent.

Pegula will take on Czech Karolina Muchova who reached the semi-final stage 12 months ago, but has suffered through injury interruptions in 2024 due to a wrist injury sustained in the clash.

“She’s so good, so talented, so athletic, I love how she just doesn’t play [due to injury] and just comes out and beats everybody,” Pegula said. “She’s a really good player. I know she has a lot of experience going deep in Slams as well, so I’m going to have to bring my tennis. I’ll worry about that, maybe when I wake up in the morning.”

Muchova made the final four with an equally swift straight sets victory over Brazilian 22nd seed Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-1 6-4. The Czech hit 19 winners to Haddad Maia’s 12, while only committing three more unforced errors (15-12). Her first serve win percentage is 78 per cent off a 76 per cent clip.

“It was a little weird match, I have to say,” Muchova said post-match. “I had the problems, having to run to the bathroom and back. I’m happy how I managed it. I’m really happy to be back in the semis. I wouldn’t have imagined that before the tournament, it’s going to be very tough next and a very exciting match.”