Jessica Pegula turns emotional addressing parents, husband, sister & team after US Open final heartbreak: “Thank you for supporting me forever”

Jessica Pegula’s Emotional Speech After US Open Final Defeat: “Thank You for Supporting Me Forever”

After her heartbreaking loss to Aryna Sabalenka in the 2024 US Open final, an emotional Jessica Pegula expressed deep gratitude to her family, team, and fans for their unwavering support. Pegula, the sixth seed, was defeated by Sabalenka 7-5, 7-5 in a match that lasted an hour and 53 minutes. The victory marked Sabalenka’s third Grand Slam title.

Pegula entered the US Open after strong performances in the North American hard-court season. She won the title in Toronto and reached the final in Cincinnati, where she also faced Sabalenka.

At the US Open, Pegula delivered a series of impressive victories, defeating Shelby Rogers, Sofia Kenin, Jessica Bouzas, 18th seed Diana Shnaider, and top seed Iga Świątek to advance to the semifinals. In the semis, she overcame Karolina Muchova, coming back from a set down to reach her first-ever Grand Slam final. Despite her incredible run, it was Sabalenka who ultimately lifted the trophy in New York.

#### An Emotional Tribute to Her Support System

During the trophy presentation, Pegula turned emotional as she thanked her team and family for their constant support. Her box included her coaches, physiotherapist, trainer, agent, brother, sister, and husband, all of whom had supported her throughout her journey. She acknowledged how the last few weeks had been overwhelming, given her remarkable achievements.

“Thank you guys over there in my box,” Pegula said, holding back tears. “Thanks to both my coaches, Mark and Mark, Seb on my physio, John, my trainer, my brother, sister, agent, husband, everybody that’s in the box today. Thank you guys so much for supporting me over the last, you know, well, forever. But also the last couple weeks and the last month, it’s been crazy.”

Pegula also extended her gratitude to her parents, Terry and Kim Pegula, though she couldn’t locate them in the crowd. She mentioned having many friends and family scattered throughout the stadium who had come to support her at her home Grand Slam.

“And also too, I think my parents are also somewhere here,” she said with a smile. “I have lots of friends and family that just came in to watch that are all kind of scattered around. I don’t really know where they are. Thank you guys so much for coming and supporting me. I mean, it’s been a long journey. So to, to be able to have your support here in the US, at my home Slam, is amazing. Thank you.”

#### Jessica Pegula to Reach New Career-High in WTA Rankings

Despite the disappointment of losing in the final, Pegula’s performance in the US Open will push her back into the top 3 of the WTA rankings. She will move up three spots, surpassing Elena Rybakina, Jasmine Paolini, and Coco Gauff, who had been defending champion but exited in the fourth round, dropping from third to sixth in the rankings.

Another American, Emma Navarro, has also made significant progress, jumping four places to enter the Top 10 at No. 8. Meanwhile, Jelena Ostapenko will fall out of the Top 10, and Ons Jabeur is expected to drop out of the Top 20.

Aryna Sabalenka, despite her victory, will remain at No. 2 in the rankings, just behind top seed Iga Świątek.

In conclusion, while Pegula may not have secured her maiden Grand Slam title, her journey to the US Open final and her emotional connection with her supporters marked an unforgettable moment in her career.