Jessica Pegula upset Iga Swiatek Wednesday evening at the US Open to reach her first ever Major semifinal. Up next is Karolina Muchova, who looks in tremendous form herself in New York. Can the American continue this run and reach her first Major final? Or will the Czech be too good yet again? Our writers share their thoughts on the match. Predicting this match are Jordan Reynolds, Manuel Traquete, Shane Black, Yesh Ginsburg, and Steen Kirby. Who do you think will reach the final? We also have predictions for the other semifinal, between Emma Navarro and Aryna Sabalenka.
US Open Semifinal Predictions
Jessica Pegula vs Karolina Muchova
Jordan:
Both players benefited from below-par performances from their opponents in the quarterfinal, but they have also played great tennis throughout the tournament. Muchova does possess variety that could disrupt Pegula’s solid baseline game. However, I am backing the American to reach her first Grand Slam final. She is locked in right now, and looks like she is capable of handling almost any challenge. Only Aryna Sabalenka is a favorite against her right now.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Manuel:
When the pair faced in the second round of Cincinnati a few weeks ago, no one expected this matchup would happen again in the late stages of the US Open, but both players have absolutely blitzed through the draw without dropping a single set. For Muchova it’s a second consecutive US Open semifinal and a chance to get to a second Slam final after Roland Garros 2023. Pegula, on the other hand, finally broke through to a Slam semfinal after many quarterfinal losses and will be extremely motived to go all the way after her amazing win over Iga Swiatek.
It should be a very high quality and tight match between two players playing one of the biggest match of their lives and playing arguably the best tennis of their careers. It should be decided by very fine margins.
Prediction: Pegula in 3
Shane:
Jessica Pegula has finally broken through. In her 23rd slam appearance, the 30-year-old American is into her first semifinal. She is 14-1 over the last month and has no plans of settling with a semifinal appearance. Karolina Muchova has yet to drop a set in New York, and as a four-time Slam semifinalist, will not be afraid of the moment. However, Mcuchova may not be 100%, which could be an issue against the uber-consistent American.
Prediction: Pegula in 3
Yesh:
Before Wednesday started, I would have said I’m picking Muchova in her semifinal no matter what. Her level this tournament has just been untouchable. I would have even taken her over Swiatek. Now, after seeing what Pegula did to Swiatek in the quarterfinals? I’m still backing Muchova, but this could be much closer. The American is doing everything so perfectly from the baseline, and utilizing the entire court whenever the situation arises.
Prediction: Muchova in 3
Steen:
Pegula won the only meeting and has had a fantastic summer. Muchova is talented but can she stop the freight train that is Pegula’s form right now? I would have serious doubts that Pegula gets derailed in the semis.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
