Jessica Pegula is definitely back in form after the 2024 US Open runner-up annihilated fellow American Ann Li 6-1 6-2 in just 54 minutes of play to reach the quarterfinal at Flushing Meadows.
Pegula made a lightning start to the match, breaking Li four times in the first set to easily bag the opener. After easily losing the first set, the world No. 58 routinely held on to her serve in her opening service game of the second set. But the No. 4 seed never allowed the 25-year-old to get into rhythm or anything like that, taking her rival's serve again in the fourth and eighth games to complete her dominant win in less than an hour.
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During the match, Pegula won 85 percent of her first serve points, hit 12 winners, and converted six of her nine break points. In the US Open quarterfinal, the home star will take on the winner of the match between Barbora Krejcikova and Taylor Townsend.
Pegula impressed in front of the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd
Two days earlier, Pegula dismissed Victoria Azarenka in straight sets 6-1 7-5. Later, when asked whether playing on the Arthur Ashe Stadium provided her the edge as the home player, the 31-year-old admitted that was the case. Today, she again played on the same court.
I think its a little bit of an advantage. I feel like Id probably be better on a faster court, but the experience Ive had playing there so many times is definitely an advantage. I remember when I was younger, I never hit on Ashe, never played there, I was always on Court 17 or maybe Grandstand if I was lucky. Thats changed," the home star explained before the match.
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As a top player, you get slotted onto those courts and get more practice time there. Being an American, Ive played a lot there now, and it can be differentthe size, the feel. Every court is different. Against top players its maybe not an advantage, but against someone who hasnt had many reps there, it is like a home court. And of course, with the crowd behind me, it definitely plays a part.
