The Americans continue their push at US Open
Sep 06, 2024
Boca Raton-based Jessica Pegula has been on a roll. We've been writing about her throughout the tournament. And she continues to win. Yesterday, Pegula took down Karolina Muchova 1-6, 6-4, 6-2, to reach the US Open women's final.
Above: Pegula takes a big cut at the ball. Photo: Todd Pechter for Florida Tennis.
Needless to say, we'll be rooting for our hometown hero (Florida Tennis is also based in Boca Raton) during Pegula's upcoming showdown with another player with a home in Florida. Who's that? It turns out Aryna Sabalenka, originally from Belarus, has a residence in Miami. She took on American up-and-comer Emma Navarro yesterday and won 6-3, 7-6(2).
Above: Sabalenka rips a forehand. Photo: Todd Pechter for Florida Tennis.
Florida Tennis contributor, Todd Pechter, was on the scene. And it looked like Navarro might turn things around after to tough first set. According to Pechter, "Down a set and a break late in the second set, Navarro lifted her game a level and for a short while had Sabalenka struggling to keep up with her."
Above: Navarro regains some rhythm in the second set. Photo: Todd Pechter for Florida Tennis.
"Navarro managed to save a match point and break back to force a tie-breaker, but Sabalenka prevailed 6-3, 7-6 (7-2). Ashe stadium was packed for the Women's semifinals, with the majority of the crowd cheering on the American Navarro. While she definitely had her moments, in the end Sabalenka proved to be too strong," according to Pechter.
Above: In the end, Sabalenka just proved to be too determined, taking the match in straight sets. Photo: Todd Pechter for Florida Tennis.
Pechter also witnessed a thrilling mixed doubles final but the Americans, unfortunately, couldn't pull off the win. Nevertheless, it was an exciting match.
Above: American mixed doubles team Taylor Townsend/Donald Young. Photo: Todd Pechter for Florida Tennis.
According to Pechter, "In the mixed doubles final, the American team of Taylor Townsend and Donald Young hung tough in the first set, knotting it at 6-6 before dropping the tie-breaker in decisive fashion 7-0 to the to Andrea Vavassori and Sara Errani. The Italian pair went on to win the second set 7-5, capturing the mixed doubles Championship Title at the 2024 Open."
Above: Celebrating victory; Italian style. Photo: Todd Pechter for Florida Tennis.
Tonight, on the men's side of the singles draw, we'll witness two Americans face off against one another — Frances Tiafoe (residence in Boca Raton) and Taylor Fritz (residence in Miami). So at this stage of the US Open, we'll be guaranteed one American (and one Floridian) in both in men's and women's final.
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Written by Florida Tennis Editor and Publisher Matt Pressman with additional reporting from Florida Tennis contributor Todd Pechter. Top photo: Todd Pechter from Florida Tennis.