Alcaraz continues to dominate, with Pegula attributing her US Open triumph to an escape room experience.
In the ongoing U.S. Open, tennis stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jessica Pegula have made impressive strides, each displaying unique strategies to overcome challenges and secure their places in the quarter-finals.
Carlos Alcaraz, the five-times major winner, continued his perfect run at this year's U.S. Open with a victory over Arthur Rinderknech. The match ended with a score of 7-6(3) 6-3 6-4, extending Alcaraz's record without dropping a set. Alcaraz will face Jiri Lehecka in the quarter-finals, a player he has a 1-1 head-to-head record with this year, having previously defeated Lehecka at Queen's Club.
Lehecka, who recently defeated Adrian Mannarino in the fourth round with a score of 7-6(4) 6-4 2-6 6-2, will be making his first appearance against Pegula on a Grand Slam stage.
On the women's side, fourth seed Jessica Pegula also continued her flawless run, dismantling Ann Li with a score of 6-1 6-2. Pegula's change in approach, including going to an escape room and having a few drinks, seems to have improved her performance significantly. She described her match on Sunday as "probably the best match I've played since before Wimbledon."
Pegula will face Aryna Sabalenka in the quarterfinals. Sabalenka, known for applying reverse strategies, recently incorporated an escape room and two drinks into her approach at the tournament. Pegula revealed she nearly abandoned practice during the tournament after a disastrous session with Sabalenka. However, her unconventional reset strategy seems to have paid off.
Krejcikova, another women's contender, survived eight match points in her fourth-round match against Taylor Townsend, winning 1-6 7-6(13) 6-3 in the longest tiebreak of the tournament.
Alcaraz showcased his trademark flair on Arthur Ashe Stadium, performing a behind-the-back trick shot. Despite the intense competition, the energy at the day and night sessions in New York continues to be special for the Spanish star.
Compared to last year, Pegula feels there has been a complete 180 in her feelings and performance. She struggled through the summer with first-round exits at Wimbledon and early departures in Washington, Montreal, and Cincinnati. However, her recent success at the U.S. Open suggests that she may be turning a corner.
The U.S. Open quarter-finals promise to be an exciting spectacle, with Alcaraz and Pegula leading the charge for their respective divisions.
