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Jessica Pegula’s latest Grand Slam journey ended in disappointment, but the American star once again showed why she remains one of the most talked-about players in women’s tennis.
At the 2026 US Open, Pegula reached the semifinals after producing another impressive run in New York. The No. 3 seed defeated Sorana Cirstea in the fourth round before overcoming Emma Navarro in the quarterfinals, fighting back after dropping the opening set. That comeback showed the determination that has become such an important part of Pegula’s game.
Then came another meeting with Aryna Sabalenka.
The semifinal was highly anticipated, but Sabalenka eventually prevailed 7-5, 6-2. Pegula competed through a difficult opening set, but Sabalenka managed to take control and finish the match in straight sets.
For Pegula, the defeat was particularly emotional because the US Open has become a place where she has repeatedly come close to achieving her first Grand Slam singles title. Yet instead of allowing the disappointment to define her season, she has continued to look forward.
Her 2026 hard-court swing had already been demanding. Pegula reached finals in Washington, D.C., and Cincinnati, while also making the round of 16 in Toronto before reaching the US Open semifinals. The WTA reported that she went 15-4 during the American hard-court swing and entered this period with 50 wins on the season.
That workload has now influenced her schedule.
Pegula withdrew from the Singapore Tennis Open, explaining that the recent weeks had been physically demanding and that she was not ready to compete at the level she expects from herself. She is still scheduled for the China Open later in September.
For fans, the decision creates another intriguing chapter in Pegula’s 2026 campaign. Rather than rushing back onto the court, she has chosen to step away from one event following an intense stretch of competition.
The biggest question now is what happens when Pegula returns.
Her US Open semifinal appearance showed that she remains capable of making deep runs at the biggest tournaments. While the first Grand Slam singles title is still missing from her résumé, her recent performances demonstrate that she continues to challenge the very best players in the sport.
Jessica Pegula’s latest chapter may have ended with disappointment, but the season is not finished. And if her 2026 campaign has taught tennis fans anything, it is that Pegula should never be counted out.
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Musa
