Jessica Pegula's career skyrockets before Madison Square Garden exhibition

In September 2024, Jessica Pegula achieved a significant milestone in her career by reaching the final of the U.S. Open, marking her first major championship final. The Buffalo native had previously struggled in Grand Slam quarterfinals, holding an 0 for 6 record before her breakthrough performance at Flushing Meadows. This remarkable success came just before she was scheduled to participate in an exhibition tennis event at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Pegula's strong summer stretch included a stunning upset over world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, contributing to her prolonged stay in a major tournament. Following her U.S. Open journey, Pegula noted the differences between the pressures of tournament play and the atmosphere of the upcoming exhibition. Jessica Pegula expressed her excitement about returning to New York, stating that the experience at Madison Square Garden felt special, especially during the festive Christmas season. She had a connection to New York as fans from her hometown, who supported her during the U.S. Open, typically follow her games. Pegula also noted how the cheers at a recent New York Rangers game further reflected the support she received while competing at the U.S. Open. As she prepared for the exhibition, Pegula was buoyed by the anticipation of performing in front of her home fans and recognized the added significance of her recent success. Along with Pegula's participation, fellow American player Emma Navarro, who reached the U.S. Open semifinals, was set to compete in the exhibition event. This gathering served as an opportunity for both players to engage with fans and showcase their skills following a competitive year in professional tennis. In light of her achievements and the growing recognition from tennis enthusiasts, Pegula's upcoming match at Madison Square Garden was anticipated to draw significant attention and built upon the momentum she garnered from her U.S. Open performance.