Jessica Pegula advances past Elena-Gabriela Ruse in US Open opening round
ESPN • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 30, 2026, 5:58 PM
Last updated Aug 30, 2026
Jessica Pegula opened play at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Elena-Gabriela Ruse to advance at the US Open. Although she converted just two of 14 break point chances in the opening set, the world number three secured the win by breaking twice in each set. Pegula, who is seeking her first Grand Slam title, faces the winner of the upcoming match between Venus Williams and Sofia Kenin in the next round. Elsewhere in the tournament, Kamilla Rakhimova eliminated two-time Grand Slam champion Barbora Krejcikova 7-6, 6-2, and Jasmine Paolini moved past Veronika Erjavec with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 decision. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic prepared to begin his pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam title in the evening session against Mariano Navone.
- •Jessica Pegula defeated Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3, 6-2 at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
- •Kamilla Rakhimova eliminated Barbora Krejcikova in straight sets.
- •Jasmine Paolini secured a 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 win over Veronika Erjavec.
- •Novak Djokovic faces Mariano Navone in his opening match of the night session.
- •The winner of the Venus Williams versus Sofia Kenin match will play Pegula next.
- 7:17 PMESPN — Pegula shakes off nerves for victory in US opener
- 5:58 PMYahoo Sports — Pegula shakes off nerves, Ruse in US Open first-round win
"World number three Jessica Pegula conquered US Open first-round nerves to dispatch Elena-Gabriela Ruse on Sunday, kicking off the action on Arthur Ashe Stadium as Novak Djokovic waited in the wings.Venus Williams headlines an all-American wild card clash to close out the action on Arthur Ashe Stadium, taking on 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin.
"Third-ranked Jessica Pegula shook off nerves that contributed to a slow start against Elena-Gabriela Ruse, winning her opening match at the US Open in straight sets.
Sources
External links- ESPNAug 30, 2026, 7:17 PMPegula shakes off nerves for victory in US opener
Third-ranked Jessica Pegula shook off nerves that contributed to a slow start against Elena-Gabriela Ruse, winning her opening match at the US Open in straight sets.
- Yahoo SportsAug 30, 2026, 5:58 PMPegula shakes off nerves, Ruse in US Open first-round win
World number three Jessica Pegula conquered US Open first-round nerves to dispatch Elena-Gabriela Ruse on Sunday, kicking off the action on Arthur Ashe Stadium as Novak Djokovic waited in the wings.Venus Williams headlines an all-American wild card clash to close out the action on Arthur Ashe Stadium, taking on 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin.
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