Jessica Pegula was agonisingly close to returning to the final of the US Open, but could not find an answer for world number one Aryna Sabalenka.
Having earned five flawless victories at Flushing Meadows without dropping a set, Pegula ultimately lost to Sabalenka in the semifinals after conceding her set lead in the match.
Prior to her campaign in New York, the American had struggled at Grand Slams in 2025, bowing out in the third and fourth round of the Australian Open and Roland Garros, respectively, before suffering a first-round exit at Wimbledon.
At the US Open, however, Pegula enjoyed a hot run of form, which ‘surprised’ her coach, Mark Knowles.
Photo by Al Bello/Getty ImagesMark Knowles reflects on Jessica Pegula’s US Open campaign
Speaking to ‘Tennis Channel’, Knowles said: “Obviously, she had high expectations going into Wimbledon after winning that title in Bad Homburg, her third title of the season, you know, feeling very strong.
“Unfortunately, she had a tough loss in the opening round, but once again, you know, it was credit to her opponent, she lost to Cocciaretto, played terrific tennis. And then, obviously, it wasn’t the summer that Jess expected.
“Obviously, a different type of summer coming in with so many points to defend and just a different layout, right? Champion in Canada, Finals Cincinnati, finals in the Open.
“I think for Jess is trying to kind of manage that and know what to expect. Maybe she’s struggled a little bit with that.
“You know, but also, we were working on a couple of things this summer, myself and Mark Merklein and the team trying to add to her game.
“Ultimately, you know, even though there were big events in the summer and she was defending things, we looked at it as every week was an opportunity, and more importantly, you know, kind of unfinished business in New York. That was really her goal.
“Listen, I mean, we were as surprised as anyone at the level that she was able to attain there in New York.”
Knowles revealed: “We did have a rough day of practice leading in which, by the way, sometimes can be really good. I don’t know if Shelby ever got upset, but, you know, I’ve had one or two of those and some of my cohorts as well.
“Sometimes it can just let the steam out, but, you know, she got it together and I think it’s testament to the type of player that she is, also the type of competitor that she is.
Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
“It felt like the minute she played the first point this year at the open, it was a completely different Jess.
“I spoke to Mark Merklin yesterday and we actually had a great discussion and I said, you know, I think semi-final match might be the best match I’ve ever seen Jess playing.
“So, you know, that’s where we’re at. We walk away super positive, super excited for the future.”
Jessica Pegula’s dominant run at the 2025 US Open
After reaching the semifinals of the revamped mixed doubles tournament alongside Jack Draper, Pegula kicked off her US Open singles campaign.
She swept aside Mayar Sherif and Anna Blinkova in the opening two rounds and overcame two-time major champion Victoria Azarenka in round three.
Pegula was faced with US compatriot Ann Li in the fourth round, who she dominated 6-1, 6-2 to set up a clash with Barbora Krejcikova in the quarterfinals.
Yet another straight-sets victory over Krejcikova saw her reach the final four, where she won the first set against Sabalenka, but fell 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 to the eventual champion.