Jessica Pegula cruised past Sofia Kenin 6-3 6-1 to reach the third round of the US Open as she chases her first Grand Slam title.
The American has continued her charge towards the US Open title as she comfortably dispatched the former Australian Open champion.
It was a good start from Pegula who played some sizzling tennis to break to love in the opening game as she looked aggressive and comfortable.
There were some tough service games as Kenin looked to break back but the American was too composed as she didn’t concede a single break point.
Towards the end of the set, Pegula broke serve again in the ninth game as she comfortable took the opening set in 30 minutes.
The second set was even more convincing as she broke twice for a 4-0 lead as she played efficient and proactive tennis.
There would be no response from Kenin as Pegula held to love to seal her place in the third round.
After the match Pegula praised her serve and reflected on what the most enjoyable thing is about being a tennis player is, “I knew today was going to be tough, Sonya has given me a lot of trouble in the past. She’s a great player and a champion, so I was just trying to stay focused on what I needed to do,” Pegula told the US Open website.
“Luckily I was able to be pretty efficient out there. I’m going for my spots (on serve), I think I’m going pretty big on second serve and I’m trying to mix up where I’m going. I’m just trusting I can go for good serves in the moment. That’s been a lot of work we’ve done off the court, so I’m really excited when I can practice something and it pays off in the match.
“I love being able to challenge myself as a person and as a player. To play this sport you have to have a lot of passion and be a little crazy, you have to be a little neurotic. I like working on things, I like working hard and I just love chasing to get better at everything. I know I won’t get there fully, but that’s the whole point.”
Pegula will now face former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez in the third round. There were also wins for Jasmine Paolini and Diana Shnaider as the second round matches get under way in New York.
