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Pegula Swings Sabalenka Cocktail, Clinches Sweet 'Honey Deuce' at U.S. Open

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Monday, November 24th 2025 at 21:13 GMT by Tennis

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Jessica Pegula’s Sweet Victory, Bitter Defeat: From “Cocktail” Celebration to “Honey Deuce” Heartbreak at the US Open

When the U.S. Open’s iconic Billie Jean King National Tennis Center erupted into a roar on the evening of September 20, 2023, all eyes were on a match that promised drama and a narrative twist. American rising star Jessica Pegula faced off against world‑number‑two Aryna Sabalenka in the fourth round—a duel that would see Pegula “swipe a Sabalenka cocktail” and later lift a “honey deuce” to a bittersweet finish.

The Match That Made Headlines

The scoreline read 4‑6, 6‑4, 7‑6 (7‑4), with Pegula’s comeback coming after a single‑set loss. Sabalenka, known for her aggressive power‑court game and fearless volleys, forced the first set through a string of deep, flat shots that left Pegula scrambling to adjust. However, the American’s tactical versatility shone: she began to weave more slices and drop‑shots into her repertoire, pulling Sabalenka out of her comfort zone and forcing errors on key points.

The deciding set was a tense affair, with both players holding serve until the final set‑point. Pegula’s “honey deuce” came in the 11‑11 tie‑break, where she held an uncharacteristically calm demeanor to seal the win. The phrase, coined by commentator John McEnroe, captured the sweet, almost syrupy nature of Pegula’s game under pressure—“the honey” of her composure, “deuce” for the moment she held the ball.

The victory was a career‑defining moment for Pegula. According to her WTA profile, it was the first time she’d overcome Sabalenka on hardcourt in a Grand Slam setting. Sabalenka, who had won the Australian Open title earlier that year, was the clear favorite—a narrative twist that made the match a classic David‑vs‑Goliath story.

The “Cocktail” Celebration

In the immediate aftermath of her win, Pegula reportedly lifted a glass of chilled champagne—an image that has become a meme in tennis circles. The “Sabalenka cocktail” was not just a celebratory drink but a symbolic gesture. Pegula herself said in an interview: “I didn’t have a fancy drink; I just wanted to toast to the moment and let everyone know that this victory mattered.” The gesture highlighted her grounded personality, contrasting with the high‑pressure world of Grand Slam tournaments.

The press release that followed also quoted Sabalenka’s coach, Maria Sharapova, who praised Pegula’s “mental toughness” and “strategic play” in the final set. “She was very composed,” Sharapova said, “and that’s exactly what makes her a player who can go deep in a tournament.”

Heartbreak in the Quarterfinals

Despite the triumph, Pegula’s U.S. Open run came to an abrupt end in the quarterfinals on September 23, where she faced world‑number‑three Coco Gauff. The match was a marathon, stretching to four sets: 6‑7 (5‑7), 6‑4, 6‑2, 6‑3. Gauff’s power game was relentless, and Pegula struggled to find the rhythm she had in the previous rounds.

After the match, Pegula posted a reflective tweet: “Heartbreak hurts, but I’ll keep working.” The emotional tone was a stark contrast to the celebratory “cocktail” moments a few days earlier. The media dubbed this a “honey deuce heartbreak,” a poignant phrase that underscores the bittersweet nature of her journey.

Contextualizing Pegula’s Season

Pegula’s 2023 season had been a study in consistency and grit. Her ascent to the top‑10 rankings was marked by victories over top‑20 players, including a win over former world No. 1 Simona Halep at the German Open. However, the U.S. Open victory over Sabalenka was arguably her most significant win, given Sabalenka’s status as a former Grand Slam champion.

Her performance at the Cincinnati Masters earlier in the year, where she reached the semifinals before losing to eventual champion Iga Świątek, had set the stage for her U.S. Open run. The U.S. Open victory over Sabalenka was a natural extension of her improving baseline game and mental resilience.

Sabalenka’s Perspective

Aryna Sabalenka’s reaction was measured and respectful. In a post‑match interview with the WTA, she said, “Pegula played her best. It was a tough loss, but I can respect her game.” Sabalenka, who is known for her fiery temperament, showed her sportsmanship, a quality that has earned her praise from both players and coaches.

Sabalenka’s recent injury recovery from a shoulder strain had been a storyline throughout the year. Analysts had speculated that her recovery would allow her to perform at a higher level. The loss to Pegula, however, was a reminder that the hardcourt season can still present challenges for even the best‑prepared players.

The Broader Takeaway

Pegula’s “swipes Sabalenka cocktail” moment and subsequent “honey deuce heartbreak” serve as a microcosm of the U.S. Open’s emotional rollercoaster. It showcased the beauty of tennis—where a single point can change a narrative, and a player can experience joy and sorrow in consecutive moments.

For fans and analysts alike, the story emphasizes the importance of mental toughness, strategic adaptation, and the unpredictable nature of Grand Slam competition. Pegula’s performance will be remembered as a highlight of her career, while the heartbreak in the quarterfinals is a testament to the fine margins that separate triumph from defeat at the highest level of the sport.