Pegula using US Open final run as Australian Open inspiration

AFP | Adelaide

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Jessica Pegula said yesterday her run to the US Open final last year was still fresh in her mind and she is using it to drive her towards a maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.

The American world number seven lost in two tough sets to top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka at Flushing Meadows before ending her season with an appearance at the WTA Finals.

“It’s funny how it feels like so long ago, but also feels like last week at the same time,” she said of the US Open ahead of starting her 2025 campaign as top seed at the Adelaide International.

“Tennis is weird like that. It’s definitely a motivation for me to want to do well this year and keep going for my goals and everything that I’ve set out for myself this year.

“It’s still a nice, fresh memory I feel like in my mind. Hopefully it stays that way I think to keep the motivation going.”

The 30-year-old leads the women’s Adelaide field ahead of compatriot and world number eight Emma Navarro, with two-time finalist Daria Kasatkina seeded third.

Paula Badosa and teen talent Mirra Andreeva are also playing, as is holder Jelena Ostapenko, who defeated Kasatkina last year.

The likes of Tommy Paul, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Sebastian Korda headline the men’s field.

Pegula delayed the start of her season by a week, pulling out of the Brisbane International to deal with a knee problem which bothered her at the WTA Finals in Riyadh. But she said “all was well” and she was ready to go.