Third-ranked
The match began with a series of missed opportunities for the 32-year-old, who struggled to find her footing early on. Pegula failed to convert her first nine break-point chances before finally settling into her game. Once she found her rhythm, she asserted control over the contest, ultimately winning 92% of her first-serve points to pull away from her opponent.
Overcoming opening-round pressure
Reflecting on the match, Pegula admitted that the weight of the occasion had a significant impact on her performance during the early stages. She noted that the pressure of the opening round at a
“I was so nervous,” Pegula said following the win. “I was sending GIFs of what I felt like. It was GIFs of people freaking out and stuff. The first round of a Slam, there’s always a ton of nerves.”
Tournament progression and upcoming fixtures
With this victory, Pegula moves into the second round, where she will face either Venus Williams or Sofia Kenin. The identity of her next opponent will be determined by the outcome of the nightcap match at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Elsewhere in the women’s draw, 19th-seeded Jasmine Paolini progressed after a three-set battle against Veronika Erjavec, finishing 6-3, 3-6, 6-4. Meanwhile, 27th-seeded Barbora Krejcikova was eliminated by Kamilla Rakhimova, who claimed a 7-6 (4), 6-2 win.
The men’s side of the draw also saw action, with Daniil Medvedev scheduled to face Hugo Gaston. Additionally, Novak Djokovic is set to begin his pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam title in the evening session against Mariano Navone. Djokovic enters the tournament looking to bounce back from an opening-match defeat at the Cincinnati Open earlier this month.
