Jessica Pegula arrives at the US Open as one of the strongest American contenders, riding a 10-3 win-loss record across her last three tournaments and a runner-up finish at the Cincinnati Open to build genuine momentum ahead of the season's final Grand Slam. The World No. 3 has played 13 matches in the past four weeks, a workload that has tested her physically and emotionally — but has done nothing to dent her confidence.

Cincinnati campaign builds Slam-ready form

Pegula's hard-court stretch included a final in Washington DC, a Round of 16 exit in Toronto, and a runner-up finish in Cincinnati, where she fell to compatriot Coco Gauff in straight sets. Despite the defeat, she views the volume of high-quality matches as ideal preparation for Flushing Meadows.

'I'm glad I got through a lot of really tough matches today against some really top level players. 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,' Pegula said after the Cincinnati final.

Physical condition and emotional reset

Pegula acknowledged the emotional toll of a packed schedule but said her body held up well through the Cincinnati campaign. 'I'm actually feeling pretty good. 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,' she told reporters.

That recovery window is brief — she is scheduled to partner fellow American Taylor Fritz in mixed doubles on Tuesday, giving her additional court time at New York before the singles draw commences.

Strong US Open pedigree fuels confidence

Pegula has a consistent record at Flushing Meadows, reaching at least the second week in each of the last four editions, including a semifinal appearance in 2025 and a runner-up finish in 2024. She is cautious about leaning too heavily on that history, however.

'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,' Pegula stated.

Why Cincinnati is the ideal US Open launchpad

The Cincinnati Open has long been regarded by players as the most natural bridge to the US Open, given the comparable hard-court conditions and ball characteristics. Pegula echoed that view: 'It's a good segue into the last Slam of the year. I think that just works with the timing-wise and the conditions being somewhat similar. 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 enter the US Open draw as the No. 3 seed, with main-draw singles action set to begin on Sunday, 30 August. Whether her Cincinnati run translates into a maiden Grand Slam title remains the defining question of her 2025 hard-court season.