American Jessica Pegula defeated world number one Iga Swiatek 6-2, 6-4 on Wednesday to secure her place in her first Grand Slam semi-final at the U.S. Open. The sixth seed celebrated the biggest victory of her career in front of a thrilled home crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium, after reaching the quarter-finals of a major for the seventh time.

“I’ve been to the quarters so many times and kept losing,” Pegula said. “Finally, I can say semi-finalist.”

Swiatek, who withdrew from last month’s Canadian Open due to fatigue, appeared off her game from the start, struggling with her serve and committing 41 unforced errors. She had not lost a service game since the first round of the tournament but was broken twice in the opening set.

Pegula maintained control in the second set, breaking Swiatek’s serve again in the third game. Although the 2022 U.S. Open champion briefly fought back by breaking Pegula in the next game, the American continued to apply pressure from the baseline. Swiatek’s frustration showed as she missed a crucial forehand on break point during a long seventh game.

In the final game, Pegula led 40-0 but needed the encouragement of the home crowd to close out the match as Swiatek fought back with two impressive winners. Pegula eventually sealed the win when Swiatek sent a shot wide on match point, allowing her to celebrate the significant triumph.