Did Jessica Pegula Secure Her Spot in the Quarters with a Dominating Win Over Li?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Jessica Pegula secured a decisive 6-1, 6-2 win over Ann Li.
- Match concluded in under an hour.
- Pegula has not lost a set in the tournament.
- Next match will be against either Barbora Krejcikova or Taylor Townsend.
- She aims for her first Grand Slam title this year.
New York, Aug 31 (NationPress) Last year’s finalist Jessica Pegula has advanced to the quarter-finals of the U.S. Open after a decisive 6-1, 6-2 victory against fellow American Ann Li on Sunday. The fourth-round match concluded in under an hour, showcasing Pegula's ruthless and clinical performance on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Entering the tournament following an inconsistent hardcourt season, where she faced early exits in Washington, Montreal, and Cincinnati, Pegula has rediscovered her form in New York. The world number four has not lost a set in this year’s U.S. Open and demonstrated complete control throughout her match against Li, hitting 12 winners and commanding play from the baseline with her powerful and precise groundstrokes.
“I felt really comfortable moving today,” Pegula stated after her victory. “I started off well and aimed to keep executing that.”
Seeded fourth, Pegula previously defeated Li in the second round of Roland Garros earlier this year, which likely bolstered her confidence as she adopted a similarly aggressive strategy. She began the match with an impressive start, winning the first three games of the opening set before Li managed to break in the fourth game.
However, Pegula quickly countered by breaking back in the following game, regaining her momentum. The first set concluded when Li made a backhand error in the seventh game, handing Pegula the set.
In the second set, a baseline error from Li during a break point allowed Pegula to take the lead again, this time in the fourth game.
The match concluded dramatically, with Pegula executing a stunning backhand winner down the line, followed by a triumphant shout. This victory marked her first Grand Slam quarter-final appearance of the year and reinforced her status as a top contender in the tournament.
Next up, she will face either Czech star Barbora Krejcikova or fellow American Taylor Townsend in the quarter-finals.