Last year's finalist Jessica Pegula is embracing the unpredictability of the U.S. Open as she prepares for her latest attempt to capture an elusive maiden major in her home Grand Slam.

Pegula suffered six losses in Grand Slam quarter-finals before reaching the final at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre last year, where she went down fighting to Aryna Sabalenka.

But the New York-born 31-year-old, who was also the runner-up at the WTA Finals in 2023, said the challenge of facing difficulties alone, in front of the world, is what motivates her to play tennis.

"I think I love the individual aspect of it... the feeling that you get from doing it on your own I think is kind of unmatched to some other sports," Pegula told reporters on Friday.

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