Despite Final Loss, Pegula Says Deep Us Open Run A Confidence Boost

Jessica Pegula played in her first Grand Slam final in Flushing Meadows on Saturday and despite getting downed by an opponent at the peak of her powers, the top American in women's tennis feels it will not be her last shot at a major title.

En route to the runner-up finish in a 7-5 7-5 loss to an overpowering world No.2 Aryna Sabalenka, Pegula snapped an undesirable winless record in her six previous major quarterfinals appearances.

The breakthrough on Arthur Ashe Stadium's hard court was a confidence-boosting stepping stone like several others in her career, the 30-year-old told reporters after the women's final.

I think I've taken confidence from winning a 250, from winning a 1,000, from being able to win another 1,000. Multiple ones now. Then to be able to be a Grand Slam finalist, I think that was kind of the last thing for me, Pegula said.

I made a lot of quarterfinals but can I make a semi? Can I be a contender to actually win a Grand Slam?