In a thrilling day at the US Open on Wednesday, Jessica Pegula stunned top-seeded Iga Swiatek to reach her first-ever Grand Slam semi-final. Meanwhile, men’s world number one, Jannik Sinner, overcame Daniil Medvedev to secure his place in the last four.
Pegula, the sixth seed, capitalized on Swiatek’s mistakes to win 6-2, 6-4. The American played a clean match, making few errors while Swiatek struggled with her serve and racked up 41 unforced mistakes. This loss ended Swiatek’s chances of a second US Open title.
“I’m so happy to be in the semi-finals,” Pegula said after the match. “I played a solid game and put pressure on her early, which seemed to frustrate her.”
Swiatek admitted she couldn’t find her rhythm. “My serve just wasn’t working today,” she said, disappointed with her performance.
On the men’s side, Sinner defeated Medvedev 6-2, 1-6, 6-1, 6-4 in a match filled with ups and downs. Despite a strong second set, Medvedev couldn’t maintain his momentum. The Russian made 57 unforced errors, allowing Sinner to gain control of the match and claim victory.
Sinner will now face British player Jack Draper in the semi-finals. Draper, who has not dropped a set this tournament, beat Australia’s Alex de Minaur 6-3, 7-5, 6-2 to secure his spot in the semis. Draper’s consistent power and movement overpowered de Minaur, who has been struggling with a hip injury since Wimbledon.
“It feels incredible to make my first Grand Slam semi-final,” Draper said. “Fitness-wise, I’m in the best shape I’ve been in a long time, and that made a huge difference today.”
Pegula, now a first-time semi-finalist, will take on unseeded Czech player Karolina Muchova. Muchova continued her comeback from injury by beating Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-1, 6-4. Though battling an illness, Muchova kept her composure to finish the match in two sets.
“I was sick, but I tried to focus on playing well in the key moments,” Muchova said. “I’m glad I could manage it in two sets.”
With both Swiatek and Medvedev out, the US Open is guaranteed to crown two new champions this year, setting the stage for an exciting finish.
