Jessica Pegula carried a cup of decaf espresso into her post-match press conference at Arthur Ashe Stadium after falling in straight sets to Aryna Sabalenka in the U.S. Open semifinals, according to reporting from the New York Post. The American tennis star, seeded third in the Flushing Meadows tournament, addressed her post-match beverage choice while joking about mandatory doping tests following her 7-5, 6-2 defeat.
Post-Match Beverage Ritual Continues After U.S. Open Exit
Over the years, Jessica Pegula’s choice of post-match drink has drawn nearly as much attention as her performance on the tennis court. Following her semifinal loss on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, the daughter of Bills owners Terry and Kim Pegula fielded questions about her cup while speaking with reporters.
“I’m always at a U.S. Open press conference trying to pee for doping, but it’s just espresso, decaf espresso,” Pegula stated, according to the New York Post, holding up her cup with a small smile.
When a reporter asked if the cup contained tequila, Pegula laughed off the inquiry. “No, I wish,” she said, as cited by the outlet. “Nobody offered to bring any. It’s coffee this year. Yeah, it’s just another night. Another loss and another trying to go to the bathroom.”
Did you know? Back in 2022, Pegula’s post-match beverage made headlines when she enjoyed a Heineken following her quarterfinal defeat to Iga Swiatek, and she grabbed attention once more during the Miami Open by swiping a tequila cocktail from Aryna Sabalenka.
Reflecting on a Straight-Set Defeat to Sabalenka
Pegula remained in relatively good spirits despite being dispatched 7-5, 6-2 under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium by Aryna Sabalenka. Approximately 25 minutes into the contest, the American stayed competitive as the first set was locked at 4-4, before Sabalenka shifted into a higher gear to seal the opening frame and appeared to coast through the second set on autopilot.
“I’m honestly not that upset, to be honest, because I don’t really think there was much I could have done today,” Pegula said, according to the New York Post. She added that Sabalenka played an “insanely high level,” describing it as likely one of her better matches this year, for sure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who defeated Jessica Pegula at the U.S. Open semifinals?
Aryna Sabalenka defeated Jessica Pegula in straight sets, 7-5, 6-2, at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
What was Jessica Pegula drinking during her post-match press conference?
Pegula drank espresso, decaf espresso, explaining to reporters that she was trying to pee for doping.
What seed was Jessica Pegula at the tournament?
Pegula, the No. 3 seed in this year’s tournament in Flushing Meadows.
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