US Open: Jessica Pegula defeats Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals

Iga Swiatek’s US Open dream came to a crashing end in the quarterfinals. In 88 minutes, the world number one lost her duel with Jessica Pegula 2:6 and 4:6. “It wasn’t a good performance from me today,” admitted the 23-year-old 2022 winner. “I really don’t understand why my serve didn’t work. I didn’t find a solution for it.”

For the American Jessica Pegula, the quarter-final victory is a first. “I’ve finally done it and can finally say: semi-finalist,” said Pegula. She had previously lost six times in the quarter-finals of one of the four major tournaments. “I’m so happy that you can no longer ask whether I’ll make it to the semi-finals.”

However, Pegula is no ordinary tennis player. The 30-year-old is the daughter of a billionaire. Her father, Ternece Pegula, is one of the richest Americans. He owns an NHL and an NFL team. He even outbid Donald Trump by buying the Buffalo Bills.

However, daughter Jessica wanted to have her own career and chose to become a tennis professional. In 2019, she made her breakthrough on the big stage. However, she was often accused of lacking bite because she was a billionaire’s daughter.

When asked about her wealth, the 30-year-old once said: “Well, I personally don’t have this money.” My parents do. I don’t know why people think that. My family is pretty well known in the USA.” Her personal money is not that important.

They celebrated this at the US Open too. Instead of traveling with a private chauffeur like many players, she opted for the subway. She just doesn’t like traffic jams, so she ventured to Flushing, where the US Open is taking place, with her tennis bag – just like every tennis fan.

Will she do the same before the semi-finals? On Thursday evening (local time) she will play against Czech Karolina Muchova, who, like Pegula, has not lost a set yet. “She is so good, so talented. She has a lot of experience, so I have to play my best tennis,” said Pegula.