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.
The comparison to Raducanu is interesting. Fernandez has been far more consistent since her final run in 2021.
Wait, Cirstea beating Paolini as the higher seed? That’s actually a pretty surprising result given their recent form.
Sabalenka looks unstoppable with that 6-3 win. She’s the clear favorite to take the title at Flushing Meadows.
Fernandez breaking Pegula so early is huge! Can she really make a deep run this year?