Jessica Pegula is safely into round two of the US Open, and Monday’s schedule wrapped up the remaining first-round matches in her section of the draw. Fans witnessed a mixture of dramatic battles and dominant displays, as several contenders joined Pegula in advancing.
Pavlyuchenkova Survives Yastremska Thriller
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova came through one of the longest and most dramatic contests of the day, outlasting Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska 6-7(5), 7-6(5), 6-4. The Russian showed trademark grit, saving key points late to seal a comeback victory after nearly three hours on court.
Samsonova Battles Past Yuan
Liudmila Samsonova also needed three sets, recovering from a slow start to edge past China’s Yuan Yue 2-6, 6-4, 6-4. Her powerful serving proved decisive in turning the match around.
Hon, Ann Li and Krejcikova Advance
France’s Leolia Jeanjean was unable to stop qualifier Priscilla Hon, who continued her strong form with a 6-3, 7-5 win.
American Ann Li gave home fans something to cheer about, rallying to beat Slovakia’s Rebecca Sramkova 4-6, 6-2, 6-4. Meanwhile, former French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova looked sharp in dispatching Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko 6-3, 6-2.
For Canada’s teenage prospect Victoria Mboko, however, the stage proved a little too big this time. Fresh off her breakthrough title run in Montreal, she entered directly into the main draw but struggled to find her rhythm. Skipping the grind of qualifying—a process that often helps younger players settle—may have unsettled her against an experienced opponent. Still just a teenager, Mboko remains a talent to watch, even if New York was a reminder that progress at this level is rarely linear.
Townsend Impresses, Andreeva Dominates
Taylor Townsend delighted the New York crowd with a confident 6-4, 6-4 win over Croatia’s Antonia Ruzic, showcasing her aggressive net play. In contrast, Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva was ruthless, dismantling America’s Alycia Parks 6-0, 6-1 in just 56 minutes.
Conclusion
With Jessica Pegula already through, her section of the draw has delivered everything from marathon epics to emphatic statements, setting up a compelling round two. Mirra Andreeva, in particular, announced herself with authority, leaving little doubt that she intends to stake a claim on this quarter.