Jessica Pegula has stormed into another US Open quarterfinal after blistering past fellow American Ann Li.
Pegula needed just 54 minutes to overcome Li at Arthur Ashe Stadium, winning their fourth round match 6-1, 6-2.
The WTA number four is the fourth seed at the US Open in 2025, having reached the final of the Grand Slam last year.
American ace Pegula lost that final to Aryna Sabalenka, but is now back to winning ways at Flushing Meadows, where she has yet to drop a set.
The home favourite has both Mark Knowles and Mark Merklein helping her at the tournament, with the two coaches usually splitting events between them.
Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty ImagesWhat Jessica Pegula has been working on in practice as she reaches US Open quarterfinals
And speaking on court after the match, Pegula revealed what she has been working on with both of those coaches, as well as praising her latest opponent in Queens.
“I felt really comfortable moving in today and coming in at the right times, it doesn’t always feel that good, but it started well and I wanted to keep executing that until the last game,” Pegula said of her game moving into the net.
“It’s a part of my game I can really use as a weapon. Sometimes I get stuck at the back because I’m so good there, but we’ve worked on that a lot and my coaches are happy when I’m finishing overheads and volleys at the net.”
And speaking of Li, she said: “I played her at Roland Garros earlier this year and we had a tough two sets and I know when she’s serving well and has confidence she’s really dangerous.
“I felt like she came out a little slow and nervous and I wanted to jump on that and not let her feel comfortable for a second, that was my motivation all match.”
Jessica Pegula says what is ‘crazy’ about her current US Open run
The fans at Arthur Ashe Stadium made plenty of noise for Pegula, who repaid them with a blistering display.
And while many may have wished it could have lasted longer, they were indeed treated to a top performance at the net from the victor.
Pegula won 12 of 15 points at the net, with America’s Billie Jean King Cup captain Lindsay Davenport among those in attendance.
Speaking of what it means to have Davenport in charge, Pegula commented: “Lindsay has been awesome.
“It’s been so fun getting to know her and working with her and playing for her. I know she’s watching here as much as she can – it’s been awesome.
“I need to post a picture of her signing a giant tennis ball for me years ago, but she said it made her feel really old.”
And when asked what she’s learned from that near miss in the 2024 US Open final, the American replied: “We play so much between that time, there’s been so many ups and downs and different challenges.
“I wasn’t playing great coming here. Making the second week was a goal itself and making the quarter-finals is crazy because I just wasn’t playing well, but I know I’ve played well here in the past and I try to take the good energy and good vibes from last year into this year.”
Last year’s run represents Pegula’s best-ever Grand Slam finish, which should motivate her to really try and go one further this time around.