The recent Toronto champion will be hoping that her slow but steady progression pays off on the biggest stage in tennis as she bids to win her first Grand Slam title at age 30. But she faces a tough test against Sabalenka, who won their latest meeting in the Cincinnati Open final less than three weeks ago.

Ahead of their US Open showdown, Pegula joked: “She’s a really great hard court player, if not one of the best in the world, but I think I'm also a really good hard court player. Cincinnati, she served unbelievable, and I felt like I still had chances in that match. So hopefully she doesn't serve that good Saturday. Maybe a little bit less would be nice.”

And it will no longer be a surprise if her dad comes out to watch the biggest match of her career on Saturday under the lights on Arthur Ashe.