Jessica Pegula playfully puts off celebratory beer after US Open QF win over Iga Swiatek
Jessica Pegula chose to delay her beer celebration after her 2024 US Open quarterfinals win. The American defeated No. 1 seed, Iga Swiatek in straight sets to secure a place in the semifinals.
Pegula started strong, winning the first set 6-2. The American faced more competition from the World No. 1 in the second set but eventually won 6-4, securing a place in the semifinals of the New York Major. With this win, Pegula also ended her 6-0 losing streak in the quarterfinals of a Major and reached her maiden Grand Slam semifinal.
Pegula won 77 percent of her first-serve points and 53 percent of her second-serve points. Additionally, the American was broken only once by Swiatek and ended the match with 12 winners compared to 22 unforced errors.
After her impressive victory over Swiatek, Canadian beer brand 'Labatt Blue Light' tagged Pegula on X and playfully wondered if the American was earning some beer following her quarterfinal win.
"@JPegula out there earning some beers 👀," they wrote.
The 30-year-old preferred to put off the celebration during the tournament but mentioned she would enjoy a beer once it was over.
"When the tournament is over," Pegula replied.
This was Pegula's fourth win over Swiatek on tour, improving her head-to-head record to 4-6 against the Pole.
Other than the 30-year-old, her compatriot and 13th seed Emma Navarro also reached the semifinals, marking the second consecutive year two Americans did so at the US Open.
"I thought I played a really clean match": Jessica Pegula after US Open QF win over Iga Swiatek
Jessica Pegula expressed joy after securing a place in the semifinals of the New York and jokingly remarked at not having to answer the media about losing in the quarterfinals.
"I would like to say I'm so happy that you guys cannot ask me about making it to the semis. It wasn't even a me thing. It was more people asking me. I'm really happy to be through to the semifinals," Pegula said in the press conference (via WTA).
The World No.6 reflected on her performance and said that she played a 'clean match' with strong serving and returning.
"I thought I played a really clean match, served pretty well, returned well. I feel like I didn't really do anything that bad, and was able to kind of jump on her really early and I think frustrate her, and was able to keep my level even when she picked it up in the second set," Pegula said.
Pegula's next challenge is Karolina Muchova, who defeated Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-1, 6-4 in the quarterfinals. Their only previous encounter was at the Cincinnati Open this year, where Pegula emerged victorious.