Jessica Pegula's U.S. Open journey came to an end in the final against Aryna Sabalenka, who dominated with 40 aces to win 7-5, 7-5. Despite the loss, Pegula, ranked third in the world, showcased her determination and growth as a player, having reached her first Grand Slam final at age 30 after previously never advancing past the quarterfinals. Pegula credited improvements in her serve and movement for her performance, emphasizing her commitment to continual progress. Sabalenka, the world’s second-ranked player, acknowledged Pegula's potential for future success, suggesting she could win a Slam soon. The match highlighted Pegula's resilience, especially after a tough start against Karolina Muchova in the semifinals, where she rallied from a set down to win. Pegula's journey reflects a significant milestone in her career, demonstrating that hard work can lead to success at any stage of an athlete's life.