30-year-old Pegula had to struggle to win the semifinal against Czech Karolina Muchova. 1–6 in the first set was followed by a tough start in the second – but then the home favorite got her game in order and turned the match around.
She made me look like a beginner, she outplayed me and I was close to tears... I don't know how I managed to turn it around, she says.
Pegula won the second set 6–4 and then secured a spot in the US Open final with 6–2 in the third.
In the final, which will be decided late on Saturday, a new tough task awaits Jessica Pegula.
Aryna Sabalenka, last year's finalist, is waiting on the other side of the net after her victory over Emma Navarro, USA.
The American has faced the Belarusian seven times in her career and lost five of those.
This is a chance for revenge, but it's going to be tough, she says.