Jessica Pegula is having a sigh of relief. Why wouldn’t she? Jessica Pegula’s 2022 season was marked by consistent success, reaching the quarterfinals of three Grand Slam tournaments. However, a recurring theme emerged: defeat at the hands of the top seed. At that year’s US Open, Pegula lost to Iga Swiatek. In a full circle moment, she defied expectations, toppling World No. 1 in this year’s hard court major’s quarterfinals to reach her first-ever Grand Slam semifinal. Following her triumph, Pegula made a candid admission.

Talking in a post-match presser, the No. 5 seed shut down reporters’ much-inquired question. Notably, the American star highlighted how the media was breathing down her neck in hopes of furnishing themselves with her response if she reached the SFs. Now that she’s secured the spot, to much hilarity, Pegula was comforted that the US Open press wouldn’t front her with those questions.

She said, “I’m so happy that you guys cannot ask me about making it to the semis. Oh my gosh, It wasn’t even a ‘me’ thing, it was more like people asking me. So, I’m really happy to be through to the semifinals.” For those unaware, Pegula has been the media’s top talking point at Flushing Meadows all week.

Moreover, the American star advanced in the last four on her seventh attempt, having exited at the hands of top-ranked players in the quarterfinals earlier. This, in turn, prompted her to address her latest conquest during an on-court interview. “Jessi how does this sound? We’ve been talking about it at nauseam, how many times you’ve been to the quarterfinals. What does this mean to you?” the reporter asked.

She responded by saying, ““I’ve [lost] so many freaking times. I just kept losing“But to great players – to girls who went on and won the tournament. I know everyone kept asking me about [winning a quarter-final] but I was like: ‘I don’t know what else to do, I just need to get there again and win the match.’ Thank god I was able to do it and finally, finally I can say I am a semi-finalist.”

Regardless, Pegula didn’t overlook the challenge she will face from her upcoming rival, who will be looking to settle the score with the 30-year-old at Flushing Meadows

“I’m a big fan of hers”: Jessica Pegula will square off against Karolina Muchova in a thriller semifinal

In hopes of booking a berth in the title decider, the No. 5 seed will next take on Karolina Muchova. However, this isn’t the first time the duo will mark their face-off. Notably, both players clashed in the Cincinnati Masters’ opener, wherein Pegula downed the Czech star. Subsequently, in a post-match presser, the No. 5 seed addressed her thoughts on facing her for a rematch.

She said, “I’m a big fan of hers. She’s so good, so talented as a tennis player. (She) doesn’t have a ton of weaknesses. Now we get to play each other tomorrow and hopefully, it’ll be a good match.” For those unaware, Muchova returned to the Tour after enduring a ‘worst and most serious’ wrist injury that disabled her from consistently attending WTA events for nine months.

In summary, it will be exciting to watch the duo take to the Arthur Ashe Stadium, September 6. With the American hopes resting on Pegula, what do you make of her chances against the Czech? Do let us know in the comments.