Jessica Pegula knocks down Petra Kvitova, makes US Open quarterfinal debut

The fact that Jessica Pegula is the highest-ranked US tennis player, male or female, may not be immediately apparent given the lack of attention she receives in comparison to many of her peers, but she has consistently supported this claim all summer long.

With a simple 6-3, 6-2 demolition of Petra Kvitova at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Pegula, the No. 8 seed, advanced to the quarterfinals of the US Open for the first time in her career against a very much in-form multiple grand slam champion.

Jessica Pegula exclaimed that it felt wonderful. She commented that she anticipated Petra would be challenging because of her ability to hit winners from wherever on the court. Pegula said that she felt like she controlled her jitters extremely well, and she beat Petra in the first match, which is always wonderful.


Pegula has now advanced to the quarterfinals of three grand slam competitions this year, after also doing so in the Australian Open and the French Open. Her consistencies, crisp ball-striking off both wings, and high base level have all contributed to a career-best season for her.

Pegula destroyed Kvitova with her style of cool, controlled aggression as Kvitova flared hot and cold, attempting to reduce the number of unforced errors in her game. After giving up a close first set, Kvitova got off to a strong start in the second one, breaking for a 2-0 advantage. In response, Pegula won six straight games to go to the quarterfinals and face Iga Swiatek.



Even though Pegula has only won one championship, her game has significantly improved after spending the majority of her career below the top 100. She has also been incredibly consistent at major events throughout the season.

Just before the US Open in Cincinnati, she spoke about her reduced profile and explained why she feels her narrative is not as compelling. Pegula is the daughter of Buffalo Bills NFL club owner and multibillionaire businessman Terry Pegula.

She admitted that she knows she is more privileged than other people in her family. She is aware of it. She strives to be very grounded, and Pegula believes that she is. She further added that she is sure that narrative is not always what people are interested in. She says that she is well aware that some might find it fascinating and some don't.

Pegula will play Swiatek in the quarterfinals after the world No. 1 overcame a set deficit to defeat Jule Neimeier of Germany 2-6, 6-4, 6-0. Swiatek wasn't at her best, but she recovered after falling behind by a break in the second set to win.