Image Source: The New York Times
Jessica Pegula fought back from a difficult start against Leylah Fernandez on Friday, forcing a deciding third set in a tense U.S. Open third-round match at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The No. 3 seed looked in serious trouble after dropping the opening set 6-1, but her resilience and improved serving helped her level the contest with a 6-4 second-set victory.
Jessica Pegula Turns Around Dramatic U.S. Open Battle
Fernandez controlled the opening exchanges and quickly established a double-break advantage. The Canadian, seeded No. 31, absorbed Pegula’s pace from the baseline and returned with impressive depth, putting constant pressure on the American’s serve.
Pegula struggled to find her rhythm early. She served at only 31 percent in the first set and committed 11 unforced errors, allowing Fernandez to take control in just 31 minutes. Fernandez’s aggressive returning and reliable groundstrokes created an immediate upset threat on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The second set began with another important hold from Pegula. She was pushed to 0-30 in her opening service game but recovered, giving herself a chance to apply scoreboard pressure. Fernandez continued to serve effectively, however, and the match remained finely balanced despite Pegula’s improved level.
Powerful Resilience Helps Pegula Save Her Campaign
The turning point came when Pegula finally earned her first break of the match. A ball clipped the tape and dropped in, bringing a huge response from the New York crowd and moving the American closer to leveling the contest.
Fernandez immediately showed why she has been such a difficult opponent throughout the tournament. When Pegula served for the second set, the Canadian broke back by extending rallies and forcing a forehand error. Fernandez’s ability to retrieve deep balls and redirect pace left Pegula under intense pressure.
Rather than allowing the momentum to disappear, Pegula responded with one of the most important holds of the match. She saved five break points during a game that featured seven deuces, then sealed the hold with a wide serve. The lengthy exchange demonstrated the physical and tactical demands of the contest.
Pegula then broke Fernandez again and earned the chance to serve out the set. On set point, an extended baseline rally ended when Fernandez’s return clipped the net and fell short. Pegula’s comeback was complete: she won the second set 6-4 and sent the match into a deciding third set.
Sabalenka Advances as Pegula and Fernandez Battle On
While the spotlight remained on Pegula and Fernandez, Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the round of 16 with a dominant 6-3, 6-4 victory over Kamilla Rakhimova. The world No. 1 has yet to drop a set at the tournament and continues her pursuit of a third consecutive U.S. Open title.
Sabalenka produced four aces in the opening set and lost only four points behind her first serve. Her fastest serve reached 117 mph, underlining the power that has made her one of the tournament’s leading contenders.
Marta Kostyuk also moved into the round of 16 after defeating Ekaterina Alexandrova, dropping only five games. Kostyuk is seeking her first U.S. Open quarterfinal appearance after reaching the fourth round in consecutive years.
What Comes Next for Jessica Pegula?
The decisive set against Fernandez carries major stakes for Pegula. A victory would send the American into the second week of the U.S. Open and reinforce her status as one of the tournament’s most consistent contenders. A defeat, meanwhile, would give Fernandez one of the biggest wins of the event.
The matchup has been compelling because both players are comfortable absorbing pace and extending rallies. That tactical similarity has produced long exchanges, frequent momentum swings and several pressure-filled service games. Pegula’s ability to maintain her improved serve and protect her backhand will be critical in the final set.
As play continued in New York, the match remained unresolved, with both players competing for a place in the round of 16.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score between Jessica Pegula and Leylah Fernandez?
Fernandez won the first set 6-1, but Pegula fought back to take the second set 6-4. The match then moved into a decisive third set.
Who won the first set?
Leylah Fernandez won the opening set 6-1 in 31 minutes after taking advantage of Pegula’s low first-serve percentage and unforced errors.
Did Jessica Pegula save break points?
Yes. Pegula saved five break points during a lengthy second-set service game that reached seven deuces before she held serve.
Did Aryna Sabalenka advance?
Yes. Sabalenka defeated Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3, 6-4 and advanced to the U.S. Open round of 16 without dropping a set.
