essica Pegula, last year’s runner-up at her home Grand Slam, returns to the US Open with renewed determination. The New York native is making another ambitious push for her first major crown at Flushing Meadows, embracing the high-stakes isolation and emotional toll that come with every individual match. The challenge fuels her fervor—a spotlight she now finds invigorating, not overwhelming.
2. Motivation Wired to the Individual Game
Pegula sees tennis’s solitary nature as its greatest draw. “I think I love the individual aspect of it… the feeling that you get from doing it on your own… is kind of unmatched,” she reflected to reporters. The reality—that victory or defeat rests on one’s own shoulders—has always inspired her. “You have to be pretty fearless to go out there and accept that one of you guys are going to fail in front of the world by yourself on a court,” she added.
3. Women’s Field: A Canvas of Uncertainty
In women’s singles, anything can happen—and Pegula embraces that fact. With 10 different champions crowned in the last 11 years, the tournament’s inherent unpredictability creates opportunity. “I think going in, everyone is always excited that they have a chance to win… it just makes it much more open,” she noted. As long as she plays smart and stays strong, a deep run is within reach.
4. Electric Atmosphere, Rowdy Energy
The New York crowd isn’t just enthusiastic—it’s part of the game. Pegula highlighted how unique the US Open’s atmosphere is: “There are so many storylines… the crowd kind of taking people and carrying them through… I don’t think you get that at the other Slams… It’s just very electric, rowdy, fun—a little bit chaotic. But I feel like it’s just New York kind of in a nutshell”. It’s this chaos she finds energizing, not distracting.
5. First Round Hurdle: Mayar Sherif
Pegula will open her campaign against Egypt’s Mayar Sherif in the first round, scheduled for Sunday. It’s an early test in her path toward a second consecutive grand slam final—and, she hopes, her first major title.
In Summary
At 31, Jessica Pegula is carving her legacy with self-reliance, grit, and a flair for embracing tennis’s unpredictable nature. From her own reflection in the loneliness of competition to the electric New York crowds, and the open women’s draw—all of it underscores a vibrant environment tailor-made for her aggressive, fearless style.
In short, this isn’t just another Grand Slam for Pegula—it’s a homecoming with unfinished business. She knows the cascade of variables New York offers could either create barriers or pathways to her breakthrough. And she’s betting on the latter.
