Last September, then 19-year-oldCoco Gaufftook home her firstUS Opentitle.
And now, American tennis fans have another star to rally behind: Jessica Pegula.
If youre a major tennis fan, perhaps youre already familiar with Pegulas (pretty impressive) game.
Robert Prange/Getty Images
This is Pegulas first Grand Slam final.
So this marks her first appearance at a major final.
[Aryna]s gonna be obviously tough to beat, but thats what the finals are for.
Sarah Stier/Getty Images
Her breakthrough came only three years ago.
The playful look is as much about confidence as it is about style.
Her doubles partner is none other than Coco Gauff.
[Coco] is much more sure of herself, and knows what she wants, Pegulatold reportersin August.
Also, she is hitting that age where you are learning all that stuff.
Tennis brought Pegula closer to her Korean roots.
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
I dont know a lot of my heritage, Pegulaadmittedin 2023.
This content can also be viewed on the site itoriginatesfrom.
Pegulas dad owns the Buffalo Bills.
Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images
You mightve seen some talk about Pegula and the Buffalo Bills on your social media feeds.
Im definitely not like that, Pegulatold reporterson Monday when asked about the scrutiny surrounding her upbringing.
(In fact, the New York nativetook the subwayto Flushing Meadows, just like most spectators.)
Im definitely not like that.
Off the court, Pegula is dedicated to rescuing dogs and making a difference.
Speaking of humility…Pegula is all about giving back to a good cause.
We wanted to help people afford service dogs, Pegula shared withVogueon Friday.
It goes both ways.
She was trained by Venus Williamss former coach.
(He and Williams worked together for 11 years, during which Williams reached two Grand Slam finals.)
Stars are once again flocking to Queens to sip Honey Deuces and cheer for their tennis faves.
At one point, Pegula considered stepping away from tennis due to a series of injuries.
Even though Pegulas on fire now, her journey hasnt always been so smooth.
I didnt even know if I wanted to come back, Pegula admitted back in 2021.
This was just going to be so hard…but I think I just got over it.
I was like, Whatever, Im just going to fight through it again.
(And thank goodness she didbecause now shes in the MF-ing US Open finals!)
Related:
Get more of SELFs great sports coverage delivered right to your inboxfor free.
