Markets Disrepecting Pegula
The betting has Sabalenka in as the warm odds-on favourite at 1/3, and Pegula as the outsider at 12/5. I personally think the better is all wrong and that they should be a lot closer together.
Pegula Peaking At The Right Time
Jessica Pegula has been in scintillating form throughout the US Open, only dropping one set. Some of you might remember I put her up to beat Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals where won easily 2-0. The 30-year-old has stepped up in the last couple of years, and she is now playing some of the best tennis of her career. Last year she got to the semi-finals of the Australian Open and French Open, so she clearly knows how to operate at the Grand Slams. This will be a different experience having her taste of a Grand Slam final, but I wouldn’t underestimate her.
Sabalenka Can’t Afford Let The Crowd Get To Her
Aryna Sabalenka, on the other hand, is very experienced at this level. The Belarussian has won two Grand Slams in her career, and she reached the final here in 2023. Like Pegula, she’s only dropped one set so far at the US Open, and comes here in excellent shape. My only doubt is her mentality. Sometimes she’s been prone to losing her head, and it’s put her off her game. If the crowd gets into her head, then that could come into play.
Head To Head Record Can Go Out The Window
When it comes to their head to head record, Sabalenka leads the way over Pegula 5-2. However, I don’t think that matters too much. Pegula was able to beat Sabalenka last year in straight sets at the WTA Finals, so she knows she can get the better of her.
Overall, I think the home crowd could play a massive part in the final, which will help Pegula get over the line. I wouldn’t be surprised if it went all the way. Therefore, I am going for Pegula to win 2-1 at 14/5.
US Open Women’s Singles Final Selection: Jessica Pegula To Win 2-1 (14/5)
