Andy Roddick in “legit emotions” following Jessica Pegula’s win over Iga Swiatek to reach the semifinals of the US Open
Andy Roddick expressed joy at Jessica Pegula's semifinal qualification at the 2024 US Open following her comfortable win against Iga Swiatek.
Andy Roddick and Jessica Pegula (The Guardian, Imago)
Andy Roddick‘s excitement knew no bounds after Jessica Pegula beat Iga Swiatek to reach the semifinals at the 2024 US Open. Pegula, who lost to Swiatek in the last eight at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York two years ago, finally got her revenge over the World No. 1 in the same arena.
Ahead of their latest meeting, Swiatek was the favorite to win the clash, having not dropped a set all tournament. The Polish star had reached the semifinals of the Cincinnati Open and took that form into the US Open. However, Pegula, who finished as Cincinnati Open runner-up, played some of the best tennis of the year to upset Swiatek.
Pegula was composed against Swiatek, showing her tactical genius by cutting the Pole deep in her baseline. She was also patient, not attacking the five-time Grand Slam champion but moving brilliantly and hitting flat central groundstrokes. In the end, Swiatek committed 41 unforced errors, giving Pegula a comfortable 6-2, 6-4 victory.
Pegula ended her six major quarterfinals losing streak to reach her first Grand Slam semifinals. While she celebrated on the court, Andy Roddick took to social media to express his joy for the sixth seed.
This made me so happy for Jess. Legit emotional.Andy Roddick said on X
This made me so happy for Jess. Legit emotional
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) September 5, 2024
The American legend will also be happy that four US players have made it to the semifinals this year. Pegula joined Frances Tiafoe, Taylor Fritz, and Emma Navarro in the last four. It is the first time that multiple American players have reached the semifinals of both men’s and women’s singles at the US Open since 2003.
Jessica Pegula excited after finally becoming a Grand Slam semifinalist
In 2022, Jessica Pegula reached three of the four Grand Slam quarterfinals but failed to make it to the semifinals. At the US Open that year, Iga Swiatek ended her run with a straight-sets win. After beating the Pole on Wednesday (September 4), the American admitted satisfaction about finally reaching a Major semifinal.
I’ve been so many friggin times [ to the quarterfinals] and I just kept losing but to great players, to girls who have gone on to win the tournament. I know everyone keeps asking me about it but I was like, ‘I don’t know what else to do. I just need to get there again and win the match,’ so thank God I was able to do it and finally, finally I can say semifinalist.
Jessica Pegula said during her on-court interview
The 30-year-old is yet to drop a set at the US Open. She beat Shelby Roger and Sofia Kenin in the opening rounds before ending Jessica Bouzas Maniero’s run in the third round. She registered a quick 6-4, 6-2 win over Diana Shnaider in the fourth round. Swiatek was her first major test and she did well pass it with flying colors.
Pegula will face Karolina Muchova in the semifinals of the US Open. Muchova has found form at the Grand Slam tournament, beating the likes of Jasmine Paolini and Beatriz Haddad Maia en route to the semifinals.
Victor Okechukwu
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