NEW YORK — Under the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, American hope Jessica Pegula weathered a ferocious comeback from two-time champion Victoria Azarenka to secure a hard-fought 6-4, 6-4 victory and advance to the fourth round of the US Open, keeping her dream of a maiden Grand Slam title on home soil very much alive.
The third-seeded Pegula, playing with poise and precision for much of the match, seemed poised for a straightforward win after building a commanding 5-1 lead in the second set. However, the veteran Azarenka, a player renowned for her never-say-die attitude, unleashed a barrage of powerful groundstrokes to break Pegula twice and level the set at 5-5, sending a jolt of electricity through the night session crowd.
A Nail-Biting Finish
With the momentum squarely in her opponent's corner, Pegula faced a critical juncture. A lesser player might have crumbled under the pressure of Azarenka's relentless assault and the roaring crowd. But the 29-year-old from New York dug deep, rediscovering her first-serve accuracy and aggressive baseline game just in time. She held her nerve to break Azarenka in the eleventh game, and then served out the match to love, sealing the victory after one hour and 44 minutes of intense battle.
In her post-match on-court interview, a relieved Pegula acknowledged the mental test she had just passed. "She's such a fighter. I knew she wasn't going to go away, especially at 5-1. I got a little bit tight, she started playing better, and next thing you know it's 5-5. I was just happy I was able to get it done in two sets."
Keys to Pegula's Victory
Pegula's triumph was built on a foundation of strategic discipline and execution. While Azarenka finished with more winners (22 to 18), she was also undone by a higher number of unforced errors (31 to Pegula's 19). Pegula’s ability to extend rallies and force Azarenka into mistakes was a decisive factor. Her performance was a masterclass in controlled aggression.
Crucial elements of her game plan included:
- First Serve Dominance: Pegula won a stellar 83% of points behind her first serve, not allowing Azarenka many opportunities to attack on return.
- Return Pressure: She constantly applied pressure on Azarenka's serve, creating 11 break point opportunities and converting four of them.
- Backhand Consistency: The cross-court backhand exchanges were a key battleground, and Pegula's rock-solid two-hander held firm throughout the contest.
Azarenka, the 18th seed from Belarus, was gracious in defeat but pointed to her slow start as a key differentiator. "I felt like I gave myself a chance there in the end. I just wish I started a little bit earlier. Jessie played really well. She was very consistent, taking the ball early, not giving me much time. I felt like I had to go for a little bit more and that caused some errors."
The Road Ahead
With this significant hurdle cleared, Pegula advances to face her close friend and doubles partner, Coco Gauff, in what promises to be a blockbuster fourth-round encounter. The match is a repeat of last year's quarterfinal, which Gauff won in straight sets. The prospect adds another layer of narrative to Pegula's campaign, as she seeks to avenge that loss and take another step toward capturing that elusive first major title.
The victory also solidifies Pegula's status as one of the most consistent performers on the WTA Tour. This run marks her third consecutive fourth-round appearance at Flushing Meadows and her seventh trip to the second week of a Grand Slam in the last three years. Despite her high ranking and consistent results, a major championship has remained just out of reach, a fact that only fuels her motivation.
A Statement Win for American Tennis
Pegula's win, coupled with Gauff's progression, ensures at least one American woman will feature in the quarterfinals from the top half of the draw. This continues a strong showing for the host nation, generating palpable excitement around the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Pegula, often the quietest of the American contenders, is embracing the opportunity and the pressure that comes with it.
"It's always special playing here in New York," she said. "The energy from the crowd is unlike anywhere else. You feel that support, and it definitely gives you a boost, especially in those tough moments like tonight. I'm just trying to take it one match at a time and see how far I can go."
Her ability to withstand Azarenka's fightback was the most telling sign of her growth. In previous years, such a momentum swing might have resulted in a third set. But Pegula’s mental resilience, a facet of her game she has worked diligently to improve, shone through. She did not panic. She regrouped, refocused, and delivered her best tennis when it mattered most. This newfound fortitude, perhaps more than any technical improvement, could be the key that finally unlocks the door to a Grand Slam title.