Billionaire US Open finalist Jessica Pegula discusses 'crazy' scenario as family sends her message | Tennis

Jessica Pegula said it was “crazy” to face Aryna Sabalenka in the US Open final, just weeks after they met in Cincinnati. Pegula kept her hopes of winning a first Grand Slam title alive by coming from behind to beat Karolina Muchova in the semi-finals.

The American started the match slowly, trailing in the first set with Muchova winning six of the first seven games. She then accelerated, winning the second set before tightening the screw in the third to mount an impressive comeback.

Sabalenka, meanwhile, beat Emma Navarro in three sets to advance to the final. She beat Pegula in the Cincinnati Open final last month and will be hoping to repeat that performance when their rivalry resumes on Saturday.

Speaking after her win over Muchova, Pegula said it was “crazy” to be facing Sabalenka in her second final in three weeks.

“Playing against Aryna is going to be really tough,” she said. “I mean she showed how strong she is and why she’s probably the favorite to win this tournament.

“It’s going to be a rematch of Cincinnati, so hopefully I can get some revenge here, but I’m glad to have a day off. It’s kind of crazy that we’re playing each other again in the finals.

“I think it shows how well we played on a quality tennis court and she will obviously be tough to beat, but that’s what finals are for so I’m ready.”

Pegula’s family was in the crowd to watch her beat Muchova and reach the first Grand Slam final of her professional career. Her billionaire parents, Terry and Kim Pegula, owners of the Buffalo Bills NFL franchise, were once again in the spotlight.

“It’s unbelievable,” she added. “I’ve got my brother and sister on the screen with my dad and my brother-in-law, a lot of friends, a lot of family scattered all over the place. Obviously, my husband. He’s not even up, he doesn’t want to be seen.

“I have a lot of family here and they came to watch a lot of my games, so to still be here and have them still there supporting me is crazy. I’m happy that they can share this moment with me.”