US OPEN

September 6, 2026

Jessica Pegula

Press Conference

J. PEGULA/S. Cirstea

6-3, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Congratulations. Another impressive straight-set victory. On to the quarterfinals. Your thoughts.

JESSICA PEGULA: I played very well tonight. Maybe I didn't, like, serve my best, but I felt like from off the ground, I played a really high level.

I felt like I was moving well. Even though the score seemed a little bit more straightforward, I felt like it was a really tough two sets. Very similar to when we played in Cincinnati, to be honest.

Yeah, happy that I was able to get it done in straights and play, you know, really good.

THE MODERATOR: Questions.

Q. A back-and-forth at the net between you and Sorana, is that something you would be okay putting out there what you were talking about?

JESSICA PEGULA: Yeah, I just told her, I don't know if you're still going to play next year, but you're playing great. I just said, you know, I have a lot of respect for you. I do. I always think that she's just kind of the utmost professional and has always been super nice. She's a few years older than me, but I feel like I've known her on tour for so long.

I just always like the way she's kind of carried herself, gone about her business. I think she's just had a really nice perspective as far as the interviews she's given, especially this year, and why she's playing so well and at a different point in her career and what she's said about that.

I just kind of always like listening to that side of it, and I think what she says is great and kind of more I can relate to as a player, having a good perspective and enjoying it and enjoying competing and doing what you love.

It was more along the lines of that.

Q. She kind of has to make that decision, like do you want to really stop when you're playing some of your best tennis. Whenever, someday you decide you want to stop, would you, God, I hope I'm not playing too well, I'll have to have second thoughts?

JESSICA PEGULA: Yeah, it's a tough position. You want to play well on your way out, but then, at the same time, it's probably harder to let it go. That's a good question. I'm not sure how I'm feeling.

I think it will have a lot to do with how I'm feeling physically. If I'm able to still physically feel like I'm good out there and compete, then I'm sure it will be very hard to step away. I think if things aren't as well physically, maybe it kind of makes the decision for you.

We'll see when I get to that point.

Q. The other day Madison hit herself with the racquet strings, and Coco was hitting herself with a tennis ball. Have you ever done that with the racquet strings? Why do you think players do that?

JESSICA PEGULA: I have never actually done that. I do see a lot of players do. I don't know. Looks like it hurts, and I just don't. I just don't know. I have never done it, but I know some players do.

Yeah, no. I don't know. Never really done it.