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Jessica Pegula puzzled by key third-set moment in US Open semi-final loss to Sabalenka

Originally posted on HITC | By Callum Davies | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 9:47 AM ET

Jessica Pegula gave Aryna Sabalenka a real test in the US Open semi-finals, but came up short despite a determined effort.

Sabalenka now has back-to-back appearances at this stage, and for Pegula, it was still an impressive fortnight even if it didn’t end with a win.

Pegula seemed to understand that too, and she appeared positive when speaking to the media after the match.

Lollipop in hand, she walked into the press room and spoke candidly about where things went wrong on court.

But she couldn’t hide her surprise at one key moment in the third set that ended up costing her dearly.

Jessica Pegula left confused after her loss to Aryna Sabalenka

When she spoke with reporters after the match, Pegula said: “Yeah, I thought it was really high level. I don’t really know what else to say.”

She then reviewed the play of both herself and Aryna Sabalenka, noting: “Like, I don’t know how I didn’t break back in the third. Like. I mean, I thought I played some really good points to win the first. She upped her level, started serving a lot better in the second, and then I felt like it was really even in the third.

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“I felt like we were both serving pretty well. And she came up with some ridiculous shots, like, on my point. Like, I didn’t… I don’t feel like I did much wrong.

“So yeah it seemed like the level was really high and we were pushing each other every single game.”

Chris Evert had a message for Pegula right after her defeat as she looked to encourage and lift up her fellow American following yet another strong tournament from Pegula.

Aryna Sabalenka’s incredible 2025 rolls on

Even though she hasn’t won a Grand Slam in 2025, it’s hard to overlook how steady and impressive her form has been.

She started the season by reaching the Australian Open final, where Madison Keys pulled off a surprising win. At Roland Garros, Sabalenka let a one-set lead slip away against Coco Gauff, and then Amanda Anisimova knocked her out in the Wimbledon semi-finals.

Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Sabalenka has been a regular fixture in the latter stages of the biggest tournaments all year, and this US Open run is just another example of that.

With a bit more luck in those close matches earlier in the year, Saturday’s final could have had even bigger implications – we might have been talking about a calendar Grand Slam instead of just her first major title of 2025.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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