World Number One Knocked Out in US Open 2024 Quarterfinals
World No. 1 Iga Swiatek missed her chance to claim another Grand Slam title this year after losing 2-6, 4-6 to Jessica Pegula on September 4. Both Swiatek and Pegula had not dropped a set on their way to the quarterfinals. However, the American completely dominated the match, capitalizing on Swiatek’s shaky service games. The top seed only managed a 36% success rate on her first serves and committed 19 unforced errors, including 16 from behind the baseline. Pegula, with her steady baseline play, controlled the game and converted two break points to win the first set 6-2. Swiatek had not faced a break point in her previous three matches. Early in the second set, the 2022 champion lost another service game, but she regained her rhythm midway through the set, breaking back to level the score at 3-3.
The turning point came in the seventh game of the second set. Swiatek led 40-30 but couldn’t finish the game. She was drawn into the match’s longest game, which featured three deuces and numerous rallies of over 10 shots. Swiatek saved two break points but then missed two consecutive forehands, surrendering the game. Pegula held her lead firmly and closed out the set 6-4.
Pegula deserved the win, committing only 22 unforced errors compared to Swiatek’s 41. The American had a 77% first-serve success rate, returned 81% of serves effectively, and hit 12 winners.
The sixth seed finally broke her streak of six consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal losses. In the semifinals, Pegula will face Karolina Muchova. Meanwhile, another American, Emma Navarro, will compete against second seed Aryna Sabalenka in the other semifinal. This marks the first time since 2003 that two American men and two American women have reached the US Open semifinals.
Pegula is in excellent form, having won 14 of her last 15 matches since the Canadian Open, with her only loss coming in the Cincinnati Open final. This is a remarkable comeback for the 30-year-old, who missed several major tournaments earlier in the year due to injury.
This year’s US Open semifinals feature two daughters of American billionaires. Pegula is the daughter of Terry Pegula, a billionaire with a $7 billion fortune from investments in natural gas, entertainment, real estate, and professional sports. Emma Navarro is the daughter of billionaire Benjamin Navarro, founder and owner of Sherman Financial Group, which controls Credit One Bank.
