Jessica Pegula has sailed through her first two US Open matches, beating American opponents Shelby Rogers and Sofia Kenin in straight sets.
The in-form player on the women’s circuit, Jessica Pegula has muscled her way to finals of both WTA 1000 events in Toronto and Cincinnati in the build-up to the US Open.
A successful title defense in Canada before defeat to Aryna Sabalenka in the Midwest has given Pegula some all important momentum coming into New York.
Her battle against Kenin was a story of two fiercely talented American players, desperate for what the other one has.
Kenin, a grand slam champion at 21, has been desperate for consistency four years on with injuries having hampered her since perching at the top.
Pegula on the other hand is part of the WTA top 10 furniture with titles galore, yet at the all-important grand slams, the 30-year-old has failed to progress past the quarter-finals on six occasions.
Jessica Pegula enjoys ‘really nice’ US Open support
With two female American title winners twice coming at Flushing since the conclusion of Serena Williams’ long reign, defending champion Coco Gauff remains a fan favorite.
Despite Pegula’s grand slam woes, her jovial demeanour matched with her long-held position at the top has seen her following grow.
“I think maybe I have been able to be more of a consistent name the last couple of years,” the world number six speculated in her press conference.
“I definitely feel like there is more stable support this past year, even last year than at the beginning when I was still doing well but maybe not as familiar.
“I think because I have been able to be pretty stable the last few years there has been a lot more support this year, which is nice. It’s cool to know people have followed me for years, which is really nice.”
Often going about her business with a smile, Pegula’s form is worthy of a grand slam semi-final appearance and once she finally breaks that curse, who knows if that might spur her to the title.
Who is Jessica Pegula set to play in the US Open third round?
After Pegula broke down on court after her first round win after sending the retiring Rogers out, she maintained a cool head throughout her following match.
Her win brings on the battle of the Jessica’s in round three, with Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro having impressively come past Katie Boulter in her second round tie.
The Spaniard made a splash at Wimbledon last month after beating defending champion Marketa Vondrousova in the first round, before losing to eventual champion Barbora Krejcikova.
Having never reached beyond the third round at a major, Bouzas Maneiro will need to bring her best game if she is to topple the American.
However, with Pegula’s 2023 US Open coming to a close in the fourth round to compatriot Madison Keys, she will be keen to at least match her performance from 12 months ago.
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