In a day filled with high drama at the 2024 U.S. Open, Jessica Pegula pulled off a monumental upset, defeating world No. 1 Iga Świątek in straight sets, while Italy’s Jannik Sinner outlasted Daniil Medvedev in a gripping five-set marathon to advance to the semifinals.
Pegula’s Career-Defining Win Over Świątek
American No. 1 Jessica Pegula stunned the tennis world with a dominant 6-3, 6-4 victory over Iga Świątek, the defending champion and top seed. Pegula, known for her consistency and all-around game, delivered one of her best performances on the Grand Slam stage, dismantling the Polish star with relentless pressure and flawless shot-making.
From the very start, Pegula set the tone with her aggressive play, pushing Świątek deep behind the baseline and dictating rallies with her powerful groundstrokes. Świątek, who had looked untouchable in earlier rounds, struggled to find her rhythm and was unable to mount a significant challenge against Pegula’s rock-solid defense and well-timed winners.
The key to Pegula’s victory was her ability to neutralize Świątek’s heavy topspin with deep returns and quick transitions to offense. She broke Świątek’s serve early in both sets, maintaining her lead by holding her own serve under immense pressure. Pegula also saved several break points throughout the match, showcasing her mental toughness and resilience in the face of Świątek’s attempted comebacks.
After the match, Pegula was visibly emotional, celebrating what is undoubtedly one of the biggest wins of her career. “I knew I had to play my absolute best to beat Iga. She’s been so dominant, but I came in with a clear game plan and stuck to it. This is a huge moment for me,” Pegula said.
With the victory, Pegula advances to her first U.S. Open semifinal and has now established herself as a legitimate contender for the title. Her win over Świątek has opened up the women’s draw, making the path to the championship even more unpredictable.
Sinner Survives Medvedev in Epic Five-Set Battle
On the men’s side, Jannik Sinner secured his place in the semifinals with a thrilling 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(5), 3-6, 6-4 victory over 2021 U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev in a match that lasted nearly five hours. Sinner, the Italian rising star, showcased his endurance and mental fortitude in a see-saw battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Both players brought their A-game to the quarterfinal showdown, with Medvedev’s crafty baseline play countering Sinner’s aggressive, all-court style. Sinner took the first set with precision, but Medvedev bounced back in the second, using his unorthodox defense and shot selection to frustrate the Italian.
The third set proved to be the pivotal point in the match, as Sinner edged out Medvedev in a tense tiebreak, giving him a crucial two-set-to-one lead. However, Medvedev, known for his resilience, fought back to take the fourth set, forcing a decisive fifth.
In the final set, Sinner dug deep, breaking Medvedev early to gain a 4-2 lead. Despite a late push from the Russian, Sinner held his nerve, closing out the match with an ace to secure his place in the semifinals. It marked one of the biggest wins of his career, propelling him into the final four at a Grand Slam for the second time.
“It was an incredible match,” Sinner said after the win. “Daniil is such a tough opponent, and I knew it would come down to just a few points in the end. I’m really happy to be in the semifinals and to keep fighting for the title.”
What’s Next?
With Pegula’s stunning win over Świątek and Sinner’s epic battle against Medvedev, the stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the 2024 U.S. Open. Pegula will now face a tough challenge in the semifinals, while Sinner moves one step closer to his first Grand Slam title, looking to carry his momentum into the next round.
Both players have proven they can handle the pressure on tennis’ biggest stage, and their victories have injected fresh excitement into the tournament as they aim to leave their mark at Flushing Meadows.