Talk about a nail-biter! Jessica Pegula served up a performance that was anything but routine against veteran Victoria Azarenka at the US Open. What started as a breeze quickly turned into a battle of wills and nerves. You won’t believe how this thrilling match unfolded, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the very last point.

The 2025 US Open delivered an early dose of high drama as Jessica Pegula, a strong contender for the Grand Slam title, navigated a surprisingly tenacious challenge from veteran Victoria Azarenka in a thrilling third-round encounter. Fans gathered at Flushing Meadows anticipated a straightforward path for Pegula, but the former world No. 1 Azarenka had other plans, reminding everyone of her formidable presence on the professional tennis circuit.

Pegula initially appeared poised for an easy victory, dominating the opening set with an impressive 6-1 scoreline. Her serve was potent, firing three aces and ten winners, while Azarenka struggled significantly, committing four double faults and winning a mere 36% of her first serves. This commanding start hinted at a quick match, with Jessica Pegula showcasing the form that saw her reach the final the previous year, leaving many to believe her path to the next round was secured.

However, the narrative shifted dramatically in the second set. Victoria Azarenka, displaying glimpses of her vintage tenacity, broke Pegula’s serve early and began to dictate play. For a period, it seemed as though the Belarusian veteran might force a decisive third set, captivating the Arthur Ashe crowd with her relentless baseline game and renowned mental toughness, which has defined her long and successful career in professional tennis.

What added a fascinating layer to this particular US Open clash was the deep familiarity between the two competitors. Jessica Pegula and Victoria Azarenka regularly train together in Florida, creating an intricate dynamic where each player possessed intimate knowledge of the other’s game. As Pegula later remarked, “I could tell she was struggling a bit physically, so I wanted to keep her moving and play aggressive,” highlighting the strategic adjustments made due to their shared history.

This mutual understanding almost proved to be Pegula’s undoing. Azarenka expertly exploited her knowledge of the American’s tendencies, mounting a spirited comeback that generated several genuinely tense moments. The closing stages of the second set devolved into a “break-fest,” much to the chagrin of tennis purists, as both players struggled with their serve under immense pressure and nerves began to show.

Despite multiple opportunities to seal the match, Pegula found herself continuously letting Azarenka back into contention, committing uncharacteristic forehand errors that added to the suspense. Azarenka, demonstrating incredible resilience, saved three break points before finally succumbing on the fourth. The collective sigh of relief from Pegula’s supporters was palpable when she finally secured the victory with a crucial break in the final game.

This hard-fought win keeps Jessica Pegula’s Grand Slam aspirations alive on home soil. The 31-year-old has been consistently knocking on the door of major success for years, and her journey to last year’s final here reaffirmed her belief in her ability to go all the way. Her candid admission, “My results haven’t been too amazing the last couple of months, so to be able to turn it around was awesome,” underscored the significance of this challenging victory.

Looking ahead, Pegula will face either a compatriot or Australia’s Priscilla Hon, opponents who, while formidable, are considered significantly less dangerous threats than the seasoned veteran she just dispatched. This pivotal win at the 2025 US Open serves as a testament to Pegula’s evolving game and her resolve to conquer one of tennis’s most coveted titles, promising more thrilling action for fans of professional tennis.