Updates from Flushing Meadows on Day 6 of the US Open highlight several key developments in the third round. Canadian player Leylah Fernandez made an immediate impact against Jessica Pegula, breaking her opponent early to take a 2-0 lead in the first set.
Fernandez, who faced Emma Raducanu in the 2021 US Open final, has only advanced past the third round at a Grand Slam once since that loss, achieving a quarter-final run at the 2022 French Open. Despite this, she has secured five WTA Tour titles and remains a consistent top-30 player, raising questions about career trajectories when compared to Raducanu’s path.
In other matches, Aryna Sabalenka continued her dominant form by taking the first set 6-3 against a competitive opponent. Marta Kostyuk also won the opening set 6-3 against Anna Blasha, while seed No. 16 Sorana Cirstea defeated No. 19 Jasmine Paolini 6-3 in what was considered a notable result despite the close seeding.
Fernandez breaking Pegula so early is huge! Can she really make a deep run this year?
Sabalenka looks unstoppable with that 6-3 win. She’s the clear favorite to take the title at Flushing Meadows.
Wait, Cirstea beating Paolini as the higher seed? That’s actually a pretty surprising result given their recent form.
The comparison to Raducanu is interesting. Fernandez has been far more consistent since her final run in 2021.