"I wish Sabalenka had left me at least one set (laughs)." - Pegula laughs after her defeat in the US Open final

Jessica Pegula was beaten by Aryna Sabalenka (7-5, 7-5) in the US Open final on Saturday. After the match, she confided her impressions to her compatriot Mary Joe Fernandez (former world n°4).

Mary Joe Fernandez:
"Even if it's not the result you expected, you've had an incredible two weeks, you beat the world number one and reached your first major final. Can you tell us about what you've been through?"

Jessica Pegula:
"Yes, I mean it's been an incredible month for me. I had a difficult start to the year, but I've managed to get back on track. By that I mean that I'm here for my first Grand Slam final, after such a hot summer.

I wasn't expecting it. So I'm very grateful for these last few weeks of tennis and for the incredible matches I've been able to play."

Mary Joe Fernandez:
"You were down in both sets, almost managed to turn things around as you did in the semi-finals. What made it so difficult against Aryna (Sabalenka) tonight?"

Jessica Pegula:
"I wish she'd left me at least a set (laughs). We had another tough match in Cincinnati a few weeks ago and she played incredible tennis. She's probably the best hard-court player in the world.

I mean, she's super powerful, she goes after her shots, she's not going to leave you anything and she can often rip the racket out of your hands.

So, yes, I was happy to be able to fight and give myself a chance. But in the end it wasn't enough. But I'm glad I was able to stay in the game and keep giving myself opportunities."

Mary Joe Fernandez:
"Nobody gets to this moment alone, and you've had great support these two weeks with your family, your coaches, your team. What message do you have for them?"

Jessica Pegula:
"Yes. Thank you to my two trainers Mark and Mark, my physio John, my brother, my sister, my agent, my husband, everyone in the box today. Thank you so much for supporting me.

I think my parents are here somewhere too. I have a lot of friends and family who came to see me and they're all a bit scattered, I don't really know where they are.

But thank you so much for coming and supporting me. I mean, it's been a long journey and it's great to be able to play your sport here in the U.S. as part of my national Grand Slam. Thank you."