Pegula and Sabalenka Advance to US Open Quarterfinals Unscathed

Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka showcased dominant performances at the US Open on September 3, 2024, both advancing to the quarterfinals without dropping a set. Pegula, the No. 4 seed and 2024 US Open runner-up, defeated American Ann Li with a decisive score of 6-1, 6-2 in just 54 minutes at Flushing Meadows. This victory marks Pegula’s second consecutive appearance in the quarterfinals of this prestigious tournament.

Pegula has maintained an impressive run throughout the event, having not dropped a set and exceeding one hour and 15 minutes of play only once. The 25-year-old’s performance against Li was particularly notable, as she lost just three games, her fewest in a US Open match during her career. “Probably the best match, honestly, I’ve played since, like, before Wimbledon,” Pegula stated. “I was just hitting the ball, doing everything well, executing my strategy very well and got through it pretty quick.”

In the night session, Sabalenka, who triumphed over Pegula in the previous year’s championship match, continued her strong form by defeating Cristina Bucsa 6-1, 6-4. This victory not only allowed her to reach the quarterfinals without dropping a set but also ensured she would retain her No. 1 ranking after the tournament. Sabalenka’s consistency is impressive, as she has reached the quarterfinals or better in 12 consecutive major tournaments, a streak not matched by any woman since Serena Williams’ 16 consecutive appearances from 2000 to 2005.

Sabalenka’s upcoming match will be against 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, who secured her place in the quarterfinals by defeating 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, powered by 13 aces, three of which came in the final game.

Pegula, who had faced challenges leading up to the tournament, had previously been 0-6 in Grand Slam quarterfinals. However, her breakthrough last year at Flushing Meadows, where she upset Iga Swiatek, has bolstered her confidence. “I haven’t been feeling my best on court, so to be able to come back and make another quarterfinal here is something I’m definitely proud of,” Pegula reflected. “Of course, I want to go further and do more and win the tournament, but I feel like, just on a personal kind of goal level, I’m happy with the way I’ve been able to kind of turn some of my tennis around the last few weeks.”

Li, ranked 58th, was one of five American women to reach the round of 16 but struggled in her first major appearance at this level. Pegula broke Li’s serve four times in a swift first set lasting just 25 minutes. Li managed only five winners while committing 19 unforced errors throughout the match.

In the quarterfinals, Pegula will face Barbora Krejcikova, a two-time Grand Slam champion. Krejcikova fought off eight match points in a tense second set against Taylor Townsend, eventually winning 1-6, 7-6 (13), 6-3. Krejcikova, who missed nearly five months at the start of the season due to a back injury, expressed relief at her victory, saying, “I’m just really happy that I won today because, I mean, also, if one point didn’t go my way, I would have been searching for flights.”

As the tournament progresses, both Pegula and Sabalenka will be looking to build on their impressive performances, aiming for the coveted title at this year’s US Open.