Jessica Pegula survived a disastrous opening set to beat Leylah Fernandez 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the third round of the US Open on Friday, advancing to the fourth round of the Grand Slam tournament in New York.
Pegula had arrived at the US Open in strong form after reaching the final of the WTA 1000 event in Cincinnati, where she lost to Coco Gauff. She opened her US Open campaign with straight-set wins over Elena Gabriela Ruse and Sofia Kenin, and was heavily favored against Fernandez, a Canadian who has struggled for form in recent months.
A shocking first set
None of that form was visible in the first set. Pegula made 11 unforced errors against just three winners and her serve, particularly her second serve, was repeatedly punished by Fernandez. She was broken twice, in the second and sixth games, and failed to earn a single break point of her own. The set was over in 31 minutes, with Fernandez winning it 6-1.
The crowd in New York, sensing the match slipping away, rallied behind Pegula as the second set began. The response was immediate, and the early games were tightly contested.
Pegula fights back
Pegula was forced to save her serve under pressure in the fifth game but held on, then broke Fernandez to lead 4-2. The seventh game turned into an epic, lasting 11 minutes and producing 20 points, with Pegula saving four break points to move ahead 5-2.
Serving for the set in the eighth game, Pegula faltered. Fernandez earned two break points and converted the second, cutting the gap to 5-4 and appearing to seize the momentum. But Fernandez then lost her own serve in the 10th game, handing Pegula the set 6-4.
Decisive third set
Pegula faced early trouble in the third set, saving two break points while serving in the second game. Holding that game appeared to settle her nerves while unsettling Fernandez. Pegula broke serve in the fourth game and quickly pulled ahead, leading 4-1 and then 5-2 before closing out the match 6-3. The contest lasted two hours and 12 minutes in total.
What's next
Pegula will face Sorana Cirstea in the fourth round of the US Open. The Romanian reached that stage by beating Jasmine Paolini in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3.
