Jessica Pegula is into the second week of the US Open after defeating Elina Svitolina 6-4 4-6 6-2.
The American number one is into the last 16 of the US Open for a second consecutive year after outclassing a rejuvenated Elina Svitolina.
Pegula had beaten Svitolina in three sets in Washington a few weeks ago and showed early signs as to why that was the case.
The world number three played aggressive tennis and put away any short balls from Svitolina with ease as two of the first four games went to Deuce.
In the end Pegula’s consistency, pace and accuracy was too much for Svitolina, who was doing a fair bit of dictating from the baseline as well, as the American converted her third break point in the fifth game.
After securing the break at 3-2, Pegula pushed for the double break but was to be denied by some clutch serving from Svitolina.
It was only the one break but Pegula didn’t let her guard down as she wrapped up the opening set in 41 minutes.
However Svitolina wasn’t about to let her standards slip as she had just been in a Grand Slam semi-final at Wimbledon and the world number 26 came back strong in the second set.
After surviving a tight service game earlier in the set, Svitolina broke in the tenth game with impactful and aggressive tennis as she took the second set 6-4.
Consistency was the key to who would be in the fourth round on Monday and Pegula had more of that to a higher standard as she proved too clinical in the final set.
Two consecutive breaks of serve in the fifth and seventh games secured the win and a place in the last 16.
Pegula is now four wins away from achieving her Grand Slam dream but there is a long way to go.
Next for the American is compatriot and former finalist Madison Keys.
