Jessica Pegula has warned that her upcoming US Open third-round clash with Victoria Azarenka will be a real battle, calling the veteran former world No. 1 “really tough.” The American, ranked No. 4, heads into the match after straight-sets wins in the early rounds, enhancing a stretch that followed a rocky summer where she won four of six matches since Wimbledon.
Azarenka, now 36, has seen her ranking slip from the top 100 after a Wimbledon first-round exit to qualifier Anastasia Zakharova, but she has rediscovered form of late, defeating top-50 player Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova on the way to the third round. Pegula and Azarenka share a 3-3 head-to-head record, underscoring what is expected to be a grinding, tightly contested encounter.
Pegula acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying: “Yeah, Vika is always really tough. I know she hasn’t been playing that much and she’s been hurt and all these things, but at the same time, when she’s on, she’s probably one of the best baseliners we’ve ever had, especially in the women’s game that I can remember.” She also stressed the difficulty of facing a player who can contest every ball when she’s in form.
The two players are familiar with each other, often practicing together, and Pegula noted there are “no secrets” between them. She suggested the key would be executing their respective game plans and managing the rhythm of the match. Pegula offered insight into the contrast in ball style between them: her own flat, low-skimming ball versus Azarenka’s ability to handle it when she’s on song, while recognizing that a battle in the long rallies could define the result.
What to watch for in the match: Pegula’s ability to assert control early and keep pressure on Azarenka’s reliance on rhythm, versus Azarenka’s capacity to redirect and grind from the baseline when she’s fully engaged. The clash is shaping up as a high-stakes test of preparation, patience, and those small tactical edges that decide big matches.
Summary: Pegula remains upbeat about her chances, even as she prepares for a long, tough test against Azarenka. The match could hinge on who can impose their game more consistently from the back of the court and who can better handle the tactical chess match between two seasoned veterans.
Additional note: This matchup, featuring two of the tour’s most experienced players who train together, highlights how familiarity can heighten the strategic contest—making execution and adaptation the decisive factors on the day.