Aryna Sabalenka just pulled off something truly wild at the US Open, beating Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 in the semifinal, and it’s how she did it that’s got everyone talking. Pegula herself came out after the tournament, spilling the tea on Sabalenka’s seemingly impossible talent: she plays *insane* when she’s absolutely fuming.
The US Open Semifinal Nightmare
Seriously, what a match. Pegula said it herself on The Player’s Box podcast, “Aryna played insane.” She was on another level, especially with the backhand. Pegula was dead serious when she told the press, “I am not sure she missed a backhand ever, during the match.” Think about that! That’s a level of play most athletes only dream of. Pegula felt like Sabalenka was “just too good, honestly.” The first set was tight, both players serving well, but Sabalenka kept hitting those “really big points.” It was high risk, for sure, but the reward was all hers. She just ran away with that second set, leaving Pegula scrambling to stay in it.
The Anger Advantage No One Else Has
Here’s where it gets truly fascinating. Pegula opened up about what makes Sabalenka so unique. “She plays so well when she is angry,” Pegula stated, clearly baffled. Most athletes, when they get heated, start losing control, right? They overhit, they get frustrated, their game falls apart. Pegula admits that’s exactly what happens to her: “When I get angry I start overhitting and I get mad. It does not work for me.” But Sabalenka? Nah. Pegula has “never seen anyone ever play so well when she is visibly p***** off.” Usually, that kind of emotional outburst is a swing, a couple of good winners, but it never holds up. With Sabalenka, it *does*. She’s an emotional player, no doubt, but that raw intensity somehow fuels her best game. It’s a rare skill, one not many people have, and it makes her incredibly tough to beat. You saw it in the final too, even after losing to Elena Rybakina, Sabalenka smashed her racket, drawing criticism. But Pegula implies that’s just part of how she plays well.
The Rivalry Heats Up
Look, the women’s tennis circuit is full of surprises, especially in the Grand Slams. But one thing’s been constant: these epic showdowns between Sabalenka and Pegula. They’ve faced off 14 times now, and Sabalenka holds a 10-4 lead. This season alone, they’re sitting at 1-1. Knowing that Sabalenka can harness her anger into pure domination, you just *know* their next match is going to be appointment viewing. Can Pegula figure out how to counter that kind of intensity, or will Sabalenka’s fury keep powering her to wins? We’ll be watching every point.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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