Pegula Keeps World No. 1 Dreams Alive with Strong Win at US Open
Jessica Pegula maintained her quest to become the world’s top-ranked player with a dominant win over fellow American Sofia Kenin in the US Open on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Daniil Medvedev smoothly advanced to the third round, and Paula Badosa secured her place in the next round as well.
Pegula, the tournament’s third seed, delivered an impressive performance at Arthur Ashe Stadium, defeating Kenin with a score of 6-3, 6-1 in just 56 minutes. She showcased her skill, especially with her serve, losing only three points behind her first serve and facing no break points throughout the match. After winning the first set, Pegula powered through the second, winning the first five games without any trouble before concluding the match.
This victory keeps Pegula’s hopes of reaching the top of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings intact. To become the world No. 1 for the first time, Pegula needs to clinch the US Open title and hope that Elena Rybakina does not reach the semi-finals.
Next up for Pegula is a match against Canada’s Leylah Fernandez, a finalist at the 2021 US Open, who advanced to the third round after defeating Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew 6-4, 6-1.
Medvedev Races Through to Next Round
On the men’s side, Daniil Medvedev showed great form as he easily defeated American wildcard Sebastian Gorzny with a score of 6-1, 6-3, 7-5. The seventh seed settled into the match quickly, taking the first set in just seven games and efficiently controlling the play from behind the baseline.
Gorzny, who had come into the match with a first-round win under his belt, found it challenging to keep up with Medvedev’s skillful play. Although the young American managed to make a brief comeback in the third set, Medvedev soon regained control to secure the victory in straight sets.
Medvedev is set to face either Jaume Munar or Arthur Rinderknech in the third round, depending on the outcome of their match.
Badosa Defeats Kasatkina
Paula Badosa also continued her successful run at the tournament with a 6-1, 6-4 win over Daria Kasatkina. The Spaniard, a former world No. 2 and last year’s US Open quarter-finalist, remained in control throughout the match, despite interruptions due to rain.
Badosa’s reward for her victory is a high-stakes second-round match against the fourth seed and reigning champion, Coco Gauff. Gauff secured her spot in the next round by defeating Zeynep Sonmez 6-3, 6-4.
For Pegula, the path is straightforward: keep winning, and her dreams of becoming the world’s top-ranked player will stay within reach.
