Jessica Pegula overcomes Karolina Muchova to reach first Grand Slam final

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Jessica Pegula secured a spot in her first US Open women's tennis singles final on Friday after a stunning comeback victory over Karolina Muchova.

Pegula, the No. 6 seed, fought back to win 1-6, 6-4, 6-2 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Reflecting on the match, Pegula said, "It comes down to really small moments that flip momentum." She admitted struggling early on, adding, "She made me look like a beginner... I was about to burst into tears because it was embarrassing. She was destroying me."

The 30-year-old American will now face Belarusian No. 2 seed Aryna Sabalenka, who advanced to her second consecutive US Open final by defeating Emma Navarro in straight sets (6-3, 7-6).

Pegula, at 30, is the oldest debutante to reach the US Open women's singles final since Flavia Pennetta in 2015. The championship match is set for Saturday.