In a stunning upset at the US Open, Jessica Pegula defeated World No. 1 Iga Swiatek 6-2, 6-4 on Wednesday night, advancing to the semifinals of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career after six previous quarterfinal exits.
Pegula's victory ensures that multiple American men and women will be represented in the US Open semifinals, a feat last achieved in 2003. Swiatek, who struggled with her serve and forehand, accumulated 41 unforced errors, 22 of which came from her forehand. Pegula capitalized on these mistakes with solid defense, forcing Swiatek to play extra shots.
The 30-year-old American, seeded No. 6, has now won 14 of her last 15 matches. She will face unseeded Karolina Muchova in the semifinals, with both players yet to drop a set in the tournament, marking the first time multiple women have done so at this stage since 2014.
Pegula's breakthrough win came as she repeatedly broke Swiatek's serve, a rarity given Swiatek’s dominance in service games throughout the tournament. Despite Swiatek's past success against Pegula, including a lopsided victory in their last meeting at the WTA Finals, Pegula remained composed and clinched the win without showing much emotion.
This marks the first time an American woman has defeated a World No. 1 at a major since Shelby Rogers beat Ash Barty at the 2021 US Open.
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