Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Pegula Cruises Through US Open as Krejcikova Exits
The US Open tennis tournament began on Sunday.
Jessica Pegula won her first match quickly in two sets.
She beat Elena-Gabriela Ruse and moved into the second round.
Barbora Krejcikova, a seeded player, lost to Kamilla Rakhimova.
Krejcikova saved six match points before losing.
Jasmine Paolini won a much closer match in three sets.
Jiri Lehecka also won his match in four sets.
Casper Ruud could not play because of a continuing back injury.
The tournament is offering players a record $108 million in prize money.
Jessica Pegula defeated Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3, 6-2 to reach the second round.
Kamilla Rakhimova eliminated 27th seed Barbora Krejcikova 7-6(4), 6-2 after Krejcikova saved six match points.
Jasmine Paolini overcame Veronika Erjavec 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 in a three-set opening-round match.
Jiri Lehecka defeated Pablo Carreno Busta in four sets as Casper Ruud withdrew with a persistent back injury.
The tournament opened with a record $108 million purse and a 15-day format.
- Who
- Jessica Pegula, Barbora Krejcikova, Kamilla Rakhimova, Jasmine Paolini, Jiri Lehecka and other US Open competitors.
- What
- The US Open began with first-round victories for Pegula, Paolini and Lehecka, while Krejcikova became the first seeded player eliminated.
- When
- Sunday, the tournament’s opening day.
- Where
- The US Open venues at Flushing Meadows, including Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium and the Grandstand.
- Why
- The tournament began its opening round, with organizers offering a record $108 million purse and using a 15-day format.
- Record purse
- $108 million, described as the largest in tennis history
- Pegula result
- Defeated Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3, 6-2
- First seeded exit
- Barbora Krejcikova, the 27th seed
- Krejcikova’s opponent
- Kamilla Rakhimova of Uzbekistan
- Paolini result
- Defeated Veronika Erjavec 6-3, 3-6, 6-4
- Men’s result
- Jiri Lehecka defeated Pablo Carreno Busta 6-1, 7-6(5), 4-6, 6-2
- Withdrawal
- Casper Ruud withdrew because of a persistent back injury