09 September,2026 10:55 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Jessica Pegula (Pic: AFP)
Third seed Jessica Pegula maintained her outstanding form at Flushing Meadows, securing a hard-fought 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory over fellow American Emma Navarro in the quarterfinal clash. The win took the 32-year-old into the US Open semifinals for the third straight year.
Despite a slow start on Arthur Ashe Stadium, Pegula fought back after dropping the opening set. Her victory sets up a highly anticipated semifinal clash against top seed and two-time defending champion and top seed Aryna Sabalenka.
Navarro, 25, took early command of the match, capitalising on Pegula's initial service struggles to secure the first set 6-3. Pegula's serve let her down early, including a game featuring three double faults that allowed Navarro to build a 4-2 lead.
The third seed elevated her game to a next level in the second set. Though both players exchanged service breaks early on, Pegula capitalised at 4-4 when Navarro double-faulted at 30-30 to concede a set point, which Pegula converted to equalise the match.
Pegula carried that momentum into the decider, breaking Navarro for a 4-2 lead after holding serve and maintaining her advantage to wrap up the set 6-3.
The victory continues an impressive 2026 season for Pegula, who has won titles in Dubai and Charleston while finishing as a finalist in Cincinnati, Washington, and Berlin, alongside an Australian Open semifinal appearance. Meanwhile, Navarro's defeat ended her bid to recreate her 2024 semi-final run in New York.
Pegula now prepares for another chapter in her rivalry with Aryna Sabalenka, against whom she holds a 4-9 record. The American is seeking revenge after losing their previous two US Open encounters, including last year's semifinal and the 2024 final. This will be the third year in a row when these two opponents face off.
Beyond the US Open title race, Pegula remains one of four players competing for the world No. 1 ranking. She can claim the top spot if she wins the US Open title and if Elena Rybakina loses in the semifinals.
At 32, Pegula is the oldest player among the quarterfinalists; a title would make her the second-oldest first-time Grand Slam champion in history, behind Flavia Pennetta, who won the 2015 US Open at age 33.
