Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Pegula Rallies Past Fernandez to Reach US Open Fourth Round
Jessica Pegula played Leylah Fernandez in the US Open.
Fernandez played very well at the beginning and won the first set quickly.
Pegula struggled with her movement, timing and serve.
She then changed her approach and won the second set.
Fernandez tried to fight back, but Pegula stayed calm.
Pegula saved important break points in the final set.
She moved ahead 3-1 and finished the match with a backhand volley.
Pegula now plays Sorana Cirstea in the next round.
Jessica Pegula defeated Leylah Fernandez 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the US Open third round.
Fernandez dominated the opening set with aggressive left-handed groundstrokes and varied angles.
Pegula improved her play, broke in the second set and forced a deciding set.
Pegula saved early break points in the third set before taking a 3-1 lead.
The third-seeded American will face Sorana Cirstea in the last 16.
- Who
- Third-seeded American Jessica Pegula defeated Canada's Leylah Fernandez.
- What
- Pegula won their US Open third-round match 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 and advanced to the fourth round.
- When
- Friday.
- Where
- Arthur Ashe Stadium at Flushing Meadows in New York.
- Why
- Pegula kept her bid for a maiden Grand Slam title alive.
Pegula's Resilience
Fernandez's Aggression
Match momentum
Pegula's Resilience
Pegula recovered from a poor opening set, improved her rhythm and composure, and won the final two sets.
Fernandez's Aggression
Fernandez controlled the first set with deep, aggressive groundstrokes and varied pace and angles.
Key weaknesses and strengths
Pegula's Resilience
Pegula said her serve percentage was poor and acknowledged that she was not moving her feet well early, but she found a way to turn the match around.
Fernandez's Aggression
Fernandez repeatedly pushed Pegula back and prevented her from finding a rhythm at the start.
Closing the match
Pegula's Resilience
Pegula saved break points early in the third set, moved ahead 3-1 and finished with a backhand volley winner.
Fernandez's Aggression
Fernandez mounted a fightback in the second set but could not regain control after Pegula forced the decider.
- Match
- Jessica Pegula defeated Leylah Fernandez 1-6, 6-4, 6-3.
- Tournament stage
- US Open third round.
- Pegula's seeding
- Third seed.
- Next opponent
- Sorana Cirstea in the last 16.
- Opening set
- Fernandez won 6-1 in 30 minutes.
- Turning point
- Pegula broke in the sixth game of the second set.
- Deciding set
- Pegula saved early break points and took a 3-1 lead.