'Wipe it and move on.' Pegula shifts focus to US Open after strong DC to Cincy stretch
CINCINNATI -- In the last four weeks, World No. 3 Jessica Pegula has played 13 matches, reaching the finals in Washington DC and Cincinnati, and the Round of 16 in Toronto.
With the switch back to hard courts after the WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz' grass season, Pegula proved to be a benefactor of this part of the season as she recorded a 10-3 record over the last three tournaments.
Still, despite the overall success and toll of multiple three-setters in Cincinnati, Pegula feels good and is ready to put her focus to the season's final Grand Slam at the US Open.
"I'm actually feeling pretty good," Pegula said to press after her straight-sets defeat in the Cincinnati Open final to Coco Gauff. "When I got out there, I still felt like I was moving pretty well, and you know, didn't feel heavy or anything. Of course, I'm probably a little emotionally zapped. Just a lot of tough matches over the last couple days, so I'll do my best to just kind of get away from tennis for at least a day -- and all of a day until I've got to play mixed with Taylor [Fritz] Tuesday."
"I'm glad I got through a lot of really tough matches today against some really top level players," Pegula added. "I think that's going to really help. It's unfortunate today didn't go a little bit better. I couldn't give myself more of a chance, but I think as far as going into a Slam, you just kind of have to wipe it and move on and move forward and keep working on some stuff that I want to get better."
Historically, New York has been one of Pegula's top performing destinations in the season. In the last four editions, she's reached the second week with a semifinal finish in 2025 and runner-up finish in 2024.
Though she recognizes her proven track record at the US Open, Pegula knows it's a new year.
"There's a lot that I'm doing really well, and then some stuff I can definitely brush up on," Pegula added. "Then obviously take a little to recover. Played a lot of matches, so just give myself a few days, kind of reset, get used to the conditions there.
"I've had good results at the US. Open the last couple years, but it's a new year, so new set of challenges and problems that I'm going to have to face every single day. I'm going to do my best to use the experience and confidence."
The top-ranked American is scheduled to compete in the tournament's mixed doubles event starting Tuesday, which will be part of her preparation of adjusting to the New York hard courts.
She enjoys playing Cincinnati as her tune-up for the last Slam as the climate is similar to Flushing Meadows and the players are competing with the same ball.
"It's a good segue into the last Slam of the year," Pegula said. "I think that just works with the timing-wise and the conditions being somewhat similar. I think top players always want to have a little bit of momentum and a little bit of confidence before going into a Slam.
"If you can kind of run deep here, get some good matches under your belt, I think it just sets up probably the best prep for the US Open."
Pegula is expected to be the No. 3 seed in New York, where main draw play begins Sunday, August 30.
