Pegula Reaches US Open Quarterfinals, Faces Krejcikova Next

New York, Sep 1 (AP): Jessica Pegula is making significant strides in this year’s U.S. Open, returning to the quarterfinals stage, previously a challenging hurdle for her. The No. 4 seed exhibited her dominance by swiftly defeating fellow American Ann Li 6-1, 6-2 in a mere 54 minutes on Sunday. Her next adversary is Barbora Krejcikova, a two-time Grand Slam champion who displayed resilience by overcoming eight match points in a lengthy second set to eventually defeat Taylor Townsend 1-6, 7-6 (13), 6-3.

For Townsend, this marked her 31st Grand Slam appearance, attempting to achieve her first quarterfinal. In contrast, Pegula hasn’t lost a single set at this year’s U.S. Open, with only one match lasting longer than 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Pegula reflected on her Sunday victory, "Probably the best match, honestly, I've played since, like, before Wimbledon. From start to finish, everything clicked. I executed my strategy flawlessly, finishing the match swiftly." Previously winless in Grand Slam quarterfinals, Pegula had achieved a breakthrough by beating Iga Swiatek in this round last year, advancing to the final where Aryna Sabalenka eventually triumphed. Entering New York, Pegula was uncertain about her readiness having lost four of her last six singles matches. A disappointing practice session with Sabalenka led her to a more relaxed distraction: an escape room with friends.

Since then, her performance has notably improved. "I haven't been feeling my best on court, so making another quarterfinal here is a personal milestone," Pegula commented. "I aim to go further and win the tournament, but turning my tennis around recently is an achievement." Meanwhile, the 58th-ranked Li met her match in Pegula, unable to withstand her power with just five winners against 19 unforced errors. Pegula showed formidable dominance, breaking Li all four times she served in a quick 25-minute first set.

Pegula will be more rested than Krejcikova for Tuesday's encounter. Krejcikova persevered through physical challenges, besting 10th-seeded Emma Navarro in a marathon third round and enduring a grueling 3-hour match against Townsend. Krejcikova noted, “I’m thrilled to win today, narrowly escaping a potential defeat.”

Key Highlights from Sunday at the US Open: Carlos Alcaraz advanced to 13 Grand Slam quarterfinals, the youngest man to achieve this in the Open era, with a 7-6 (3), 6-3, 6-4 victory over Arthur Rinderknech. Despite a neck issue, Novak Djokovic secured his record 64th Grand Slam quarterfinal by defeating Jan-Lennard Stuff 6-3, 6-3, 6-2. Djokovic faces Taylor Fritz next, holding a 10-0 record against him. Aryna Sabalenka returns to the quarterfinals, dispatching Cristina Bucsa 6-1, 6-4. Her upcoming match will be against either Elena Rybakina or Marketa Vondrousova.

Monday’s Agenda at the US Open: Coco Gauff faces Naomi Osaka in a compelling fourth-round rematch, six years after their initial encounter. Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek, both Wimbledon champions, are also scheduled to compete as the tournament further unfolds. Additionally, Venus Williams and Leylah Fernandez are set for their third-round women’s doubles match against the No. 12-seeded duo of Ekaterina Alexandrova and Zhang Shuai. (AP)

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