Pegula embraces the unpredictability of US Open in latest bid for maiden major

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Tennis - U.S. Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - August 20, 2025 Jessica Pegula of the U.S. in action during the semi final mixed doubles match with Britains Jack Draper against Polands Iga Swiatek and Norways Casper Ruud REUTERS/Kylie Cooper

Last years finalist Jessica Pegula is embracing the unpredictability of the U.S. Open as she prepares for her latest attempt to capture an elusive maiden major in her home Grand Slam.

Pegula suffered six losses in Grand Slam quarter-finals before reaching the final at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre last year, where she went down fighting to Aryna Sabalenka.

But the New York-born 31-year-old, who was also the runner-up at the WTA Finals in 2023, said the challenge of facing difficulties alone, in front of the world, is what motivates her to play tennis.

I think I love the individual aspect of it... the feeling that you get from doing it on your own I think is kind of unmatched to some other sports, Pegula told reporters on Friday.

It makes it so challenging and so hard when youre out there by yourself. But I think at the end of the day competing and kind of backing yourself, because there is no other option, has always been to me the pinnacle of why I play.

You have to be pretty fearless to go out there and accept