When she was struggling earlier this year, Jessica Pegula wasn’t sure if some of the dramatic changes she made in pursuit of better results were going to ultimately pay off.
But at this year’s U.S. Open, those doubts have been answered. Pegula isn’t just playing the best tennis of her life, she’s now gone further at a Grand Slam than ever before — with a real chance to take home the trophy.
Pegula, the 30-year-old daughter of Buffalo Bills owners Terry and Kim Pegula, reached the U.S. Open semifinals with a dominant 6-2, 6-4 victory Wednesday over world No. 1 Iga Swiatek. It’s the first time Pegula has broken through the Grand Slam quarterfinal barrier after six attempts, including a 6-3, 7-6 loss to Swiatek at the U.S. Open two years ago.
But this is a different Pegula, who split with longtime coach David Witt in February after a disappointing second-round exit at the Australian Open. Pegula missed the clay court season this year with a rib injury, returned at Wimbledon where she also lost in the second round and didn’t seem likely to be a factor for the rest of 2024.
But Pegula found her form after the Olympics, defending her title at the Canadian Open and reaching the final the following week in Cincinnati. All told, she has won 14 of her last 15 matches heading into Thursday’s semifinal matchup against Karolina Muchova.
Still, Pegula was considered an underdog to Swiatek, the 2022 U.S. Open champion. Swiatek led their head-to-head rivalry 6-3 coming into the match.
But from the very beginning Wednesday, Pegula was dialed in tactically and playing confident tennis both on her forehand and backhand. Pegula’s hard, flat ball strike appeared to rush Swiatek, who never got into a good rhythm and made uncharacteristic mistakes off standard groundstrokes. She finished with 41 unforced errors to just 12 winners. Pegula played a much cleaner match, making 65 percent of her first serves and just 22 errors.
Earlier this year, Jessica Pegula found herself in a tough spot, unsure if the changes she was making in her game would lead to the success she sought. The road ahead seemed uncertain, and as she grappled with early exits and injuries, she could not foresee how it would all unfold. Yet, fast forward to the U.S. Open, and Pegula has proven that her hard work and persistence have paid off. Not only has she reached a new level in her career, but she is also playing the best tennis of her life, with a genuine shot at claiming her first Grand Slam title.
At 30 years old, Pegula has long lived in the shadow of her famous parents—Terry and Kim Pegula, the owners of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills and the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres. While their success in the sports world is undeniable, Pegula has been quietly making a name for herself on the tennis court, steadily climbing the rankings and proving her ability to stand on her own merits. This year’s U.S. Open has marked a breakthrough in her career, as she stormed into the semifinals with a commanding 6-2, 6-4 victory over world No. 1 Iga Świątek.
For years, Pegula has been a strong contender in Grand Slam tournaments, but there was always one hurdle she couldn’t seem to clear—the quarterfinals. Six times she reached this stage, only to fall short each time, including a heartbreaking loss to Świątek in the 2022 U.S. Open. Many wondered whether Pegula had the mental toughness and game to get over that hurdle, but she never gave up. This time, however, was different. Pegula entered the match against Świątek not only with confidence but with a tactical plan that she executed to near perfection.
Pegula’s victory over Świątek was not just a win—it was a statement. Her hard, flat shots gave the Polish world No. 1 little time to react, forcing her into uncharacteristic errors. Świątek, who is usually known for her consistency and ability to control points, finished with a staggering 41 unforced errors, compared to just 12 winners. Pegula, on the other hand, played a clean and measured game, making just 22 errors while landing 65 percent of her first serves. It was a match where Pegula outplayed the reigning U.S. Open champion in nearly every aspect.
The transformation in Pegula’s game this year can be attributed to several factors, including a bold decision to part ways with her longtime coach David Witt. After suffering a disappointing second-round exit at the Australian Open, Pegula decided that it was time for a change. The split with Witt, who had been a constant presence in her career, was not easy, but Pegula knew she needed to evolve if she was going to reach her full potential.
Shortly after, Pegula’s season took another hit when she missed the clay-court season due to a rib injury. After returning to the tour at Wimbledon, she lost again in the second round, leading many to question whether Pegula’s best days were behind her. But Pegula stayed patient and focused, refusing to let the setbacks define her year. Her perseverance paid off, as she found her form following the 2024 Olympics.
Pegula’s comeback began in earnest at the Canadian Open, where she successfully defended her title and sent a message to the tennis world that she was still a force to be reckoned with. The following week, she reached the final in Cincinnati, cementing her place among the top players on tour. Pegula’s late-season surge has been nothing short of remarkable, as she has won 14 of her last 15 matches heading into the U.S. Open semifinals.
Her victories have not been against weak competition either. Pegula has consistently faced and defeated some of the toughest players on the WTA tour, showing that she is ready to compete with the best. Her ability to maintain her composure under pressure and execute her game plan has been a hallmark of her resurgence.
As Pegula prepares for her semifinal clash against Karolína Muchová, she faces another challenge in her quest for a Grand Slam title. Muchová, a talented and tricky player, will no doubt test Pegula’s abilities, but Pegula has shown that she is up to the task. Whether she wins or not, Pegula’s run at the U.S. Open has already been a career-defining moment. It’s clear that she has overcome the mental and physical barriers that once held her back.
What makes Pegula’s story all the more compelling is her journey of personal growth, which extends beyond the tennis court. Throughout her career, Pegula has dealt with the expectations that come with being the daughter of billionaire sports owners, but she has remained grounded and focused on her own goals. Pegula’s success this year is a testament to her resilience, work ethic, and determination to carve out her own legacy in the world of sports.
While Pegula’s semifinal match against Muchová will be a tough test, there is a growing sense that Pegula is on the cusp of something special. If she continues to play with the same confidence and precision that she displayed against Świątek, there is no reason why Pegula can’t go all the way. A Grand Slam title would not only be a crowning achievement for Pegula but also solidify her place among the elite players in women’s tennis.
Regardless of the outcome, Pegula’s journey in 2024 has already been a success. From early struggles and injury setbacks to a deep run at the U.S. Open, Pegula’s story is one of perseverance and transformation. As she takes the court in the semifinals, she does so with the belief that she can achieve anything she sets her mind to—and with the support of her growing fanbase, who are eager to see her finally lift a Grand Slam trophy.