The American star reached the last four of a major for the first time after beating the world number one in straight sets at Flushing Meadows and felt that all aspects of her game were effective during the quarter-final match.

Pegula said: "I thought I played a really clean match, served pretty well, returned well. I feel like I didn't really do anything that bad.

"And was able to kind of jump on her really early and I think frustrate her, and was able to keep my level even when she picked it up in the second set.

"Yeah, I think I just played all-around really good tennis today."

Pegula had previously suffered defeat in six Grand Slam quarter-final clashes but was delighted with the mental strength she displayed to close out the victory in front of her home supporters.

She said: "It's just, like, winning a big match. There's a lot of other variables; beating her, No. 1 player in the world, Ashe, prime time, trying to make a semi-final, knowing that I'm up, knowing that I'm playing well, I'm giving myself a really good opportunity.

"But, I mean, I've had some really good wins, I feel like, the last couple of weeks, and been playing some really good tennis. So at the same time, I still was pretty relaxed and felt like I was going to be able to get the job done."