Pegula reaches US Open quarterfinals, first women's quarterfinalist

Jessica Pegula advanced to the quarterfinals of the US Open on Sunday, defeating fellow American Ann Li 6-1, 6-2 on Arthur Ashe Stadium to become the tournament's first women’s quarterfinalist. Pegula’s win completed a run through the draw that included straight-sets victories over Mayar Sherif, Anna Blinkova and Victoria Azarenka earlier in the week at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York.

Pegula made quick work of Li, closing the match in 54 minutes with a forehand winner down the line that ended the contest. She won 85 percent of points on her first serve, converted the vast majority of net opportunities and pressured Li’s serve throughout, allowing Li to hold serve only twice. Match statistics showed Pegula finished with two aces, 12 winners and 12 unforced errors, while Li committed 19 unforced errors.

The victory followed a third-round win over two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka, whom Pegula beat 6-1, 7-5 on Friday. Earlier rounds included a 6-0, 6-4 opener against Mayar Sherif and a 6-1, 6-3 win over Anna Blinkova. Pegula said in an on-court interview that she focused on returning to strategies that worked for her and on making the...