Pegula defeats Ruse in US Open first round

Jessica Pegula overcame early nerves to defeat Romania's Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3, 6-2 in the first round of the US Open on Sunday, August 30, 2026. The world No. 3, who is the highest-ranked American in either draw, opened the tournament's main draw action on Arthur Ashe Stadium in her pursuit of a first Grand Slam title.

Pegula, 32, admitted to feeling significant pressure as she stepped onto the court. "I was so nervous today," she said. "Always the first round of a slam." The nerves were evident in a tight opening set where Ruse saved eight break points in a marathon third game. However, Pegula secured the crucial break in the fifth game and took control, finishing the set with a forehand winner. She then sprinted through the second set, winning all of her first-serve points and breaking Ruse twice more to close out the match in 83 minutes.

The victory was a confidence boost for Pegula, who is chasing her maiden major title after reaching the final at the 2024 US Open and the semifinals last year. She noted the advantage of the tournament's 15-day schedule, which gives her two days of rest before her next match. "Now I get to sit around the site and watch everyone else freak...