‘I Didn’t Want To Play Tennis Again’: Pegula Reflects On Low Points After Reaching US Open Final

Jessica Pegula Reflects on Challenging Journey After Reaching US Open Final: “I Didn’t Want to Play Tennis”

Jessica Pegula’s remarkable achievement in reaching the 2024 US Open final is a testament to her perseverance, especially considering there were times in her career when she considered stepping away from the sport. This year marks the first time Pegula has advanced past the quarter-final stage of a major tournament, a significant milestone for the 30-year-old American.

Prior to this year’s US Open, Pegula had struggled to advance beyond the quarter-finals, often putting in stellar performances until that stage before falling short. After securing her maiden semi-final berth, Pegula humorously remarked that she was relieved no one could ask her about her quarter-final struggles anymore. While this accomplishment was a major breakthrough for her, it wasn’t entirely unexpected given her recent form.

Pegula’s journey to the final was built on a series of impressive performances. She won the Canadian Open in Toronto, displaying a rock-solid game, and followed it up with a deep run at the WTA 1000 event in Cincinnati, where she reached the final but was defeated by Aryna Sabalenka. Pegula carried this momentum into New York, where she not only reached the semi-final but won a hard-fought battle against Karolina Muchova.

Muchova and Pegula had faced each other previously in Cincinnati, and the US Open semi-final played out in a similar fashion. Muchova took the opening set in both matches, but Pegula fought back on both occasions to win in three sets.

While her on-court success is impressive, Pegula’s US Open run holds a deeper meaning for her, given the personal struggles she’s faced. At certain points in her career, she contemplated quitting tennis altogether. The rigors of the sport, with its long seasons and constant defeats, had taken a toll on her mentally and emotionally.

“There were definitely moments where I didn’t want to play tennis anymore,” Pegula shared candidly. “I didn’t know if I wanted to do it anymore. You hit those low moments.”

The physical and mental demands of professional tennis often weigh heavily on players, and Pegula was no exception. She admitted to experiencing times of doubt, though she never reached a point where she was close to walking away from the sport entirely. Instead, she credited her resilience and mental toughness for helping her push through those difficult times.

“I’ve had several of those moments, but I’ve always been able to snap out of it,” Pegula said. “I would always flip the script and come back stronger. That’s why I’ve been able to overcome different challenges and emerge even better.”

Now, after many attempts, Pegula has finally earned her spot in a Grand Slam final. However, her next challenge is a formidable one, as she faces Aryna Sabalenka, who has already defeated her earlier this season. Despite the tough competition, Pegula will have the advantage of playing on home soil, and with her current form, anything is possible.

For Pegula, this US Open run isn’t just about winning—it’s a reflection of her resilience, mental strength, and growth as a player. As she prepares to compete for her first Grand Slam title, she has already proven that overcoming the low points can lead to the highest achievements.