Jessica Pegula's persistence pays off in U.S. Open win over No. 1 Iga Swiatek

After coming up short "so many freaking times," Pegula's relief following the win over Swiatek was palpable.

"I know everyone keeps asking me about it; I was like, 'I don't know what else to do; I just need to get there again,'" Pegula said via the U.S. Open. "So, thank god I was able to do it and finally, finally I can say semifinalist."

Pegula's victory also made her a part of history, marking the first time in 21 years that four Americans have reached the U.S. Open semifinal. In 2003, Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, Lindsay Davenport and Jennifer Capriati advanced.

Along with the No. 6 seed Pegula, No. 13 Emma Navarro also made the semifinals, defeating defending champion Coco Gauff along the way. Pegula will battle Karolina Muchova, while Navarro will match up against No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka. Should both win, it will set up the first American vs. American final since 2017, when Sloane Stephens defeated Madison Keys.

Meanwhile, there's guaranteed to be an American in the men's final. After winning quarterfinal matchups on Tuesday, No. 20 Frances Tiafoe and No. 12 Taylor Fritz will battle Saturday for a spot in the final, with the winner looking to become the first U.S. player to take the Open since Roddick beat Juan Carlos Ferrero in 2003.