New York, Sep 6 (IANS) Jessica Pegula reached her first Grand Slam singles final after coming back from a set down to defeat Karolina Muchova 1-6, 6-4, 6-2 in their stunning semifinal match late on Thursday night,.
Pegula, at 30 years old, is the oldest Grand Slam final debutante at the US Open since Flavia Pennetta reached that stage in 2015. She is the third American woman aged 30 or over to make a US Open final, joining Serena Williams and Martina Navratilova.
She is the fourth player in the Open Era to reach the finals in Canada, Cincinnati, and US Open in a season, joining Rosie Casals (1970), Evonne Goolagong Cawley (1973) and Serena Williams (2013). This is the first time an American man and woman have reached the singles finals at a Grand Slam since 2002, according to WTA stats.
Pegula, who defeated world No.1 Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals, will face World No.2 Aryna Sabalenka for the US Open title on Saturday. The match is a rematch of last month’s Cincinnati Open final, which Sabalenka won 6-3, 7-5.
Muchova saved three break points in her second service game and then displayed her impressive all-court game, mixing slices, serves, and volleys. Pegula couldn’t find answers, losing her serve after the first changeover. Muchova dominated, winning 16 of the final 20 points, including all seven at the net, to claim the first set in just 28 minutes.
In the second set, Pegula fought back after Muchova’s early 2-0 lead. Pegula found her rhythm, hitting with more authority, and leveled the score by forcing errors. She then earned four break chances with Muchova serving at 2-3.
Muchova showcased her remarkable shotmaking to save several break points, but couldn’t hold off the fourth. The break advantage would prove short-lived, but the shift of momentum gave the American confidence. She gained early leads in the next two service games and converted a set point at 4-5 after a double fault from Muchova, claiming the second set.
The third set started as a reversal of the second, with Pegula breaking early thanks to powerful deep returns. Muchova fought back in nearly every service game, overcoming 40-0 deficits.
At 4-2, Muchova had her best chance to level the final set during a lengthy game with multiple deuces. However, she missed a crucial slice on break point. Pegula capitalised, extending her lead to 5-2 and then broke again to secure her first-ever Grand Slam final spot.
The American is bidding to match compatriot Coco Gauff’s path to her maiden Grand Slam title one year ago in New York. Gauff beat Muchova in last year’s semis before coming from a set down to beat Sabalenka in the title match.
–IANS
bc/
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by TodayIndia.news and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of TodayIndia.news We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, TodayIndia.news takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.