Last year’s semi-finalists Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro cruised into the third round at the US Open.
Starting with Pegula, the fourth seed breezed past Anna Blinkova 6-1 6-3 on Arthur Ashe Stadium in a world-class display.
Pegula, who actually reached the final last year, came out the blocks really quickly and produced a dominant opening set.
After breaking early in the second set, Blinkova recovered quickly and levelled up at 3-3 producing some great returning.
However, Pegula won the remaining three games to secure victory and a place in the third round.
After the match Pegula admitted she was happy to make a quick start against an opponent she struggled against earlier on the season, “I’m glad I came out quickly today,” Pegula was quoted by the US Open as saying in her on-court interview.
“I’m trying to take what I’ve done well before and use it in the next match.”
Pegula will now face Victoria Azarenka in the third round on Friday after Azarenka defeated Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-3 6-3.
In the same section of the draw is another American semi-finalist from last year in the form of Emma Navarro.
Navarro was in action against fellow American Caty McNally in what looked like a tricky match on paper.
However, the tenth seed thrashed McNally 6-1 6-2 and could face Barbora Krejcikova in the third round.
This is what Navarro said about the potential match-up, “She plays a unique game, keeps the ball really low, and is an incredible ball striker,” Navarro explained.
“It’ll be tough if we end up playing. But obviously I know that I can beat her, and I think a big part of the challenge will be managing that notion.”
