Pegula destroys Kenin in just 56 minutes at US Open: The World No. 1 is approaching

Jessica Pegula, the No. 3 seed, delivered a flawless performance as she defeated fellow American Sofia Kenin 6-3, 6-1 in just 56 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium, advancing to the US Open third round for the seventh consecutive year. The match was the seventh meeting between the two Americans, and Pegula proved her class by never giving Kenin a chance. From the start, Pegula dominated with precise serves and powerful baseline shots. She broke in the fourth game to lead 3-1, and although Kenin managed to break back in the sixth game, Pegula immediately broke again in the ninth game to close the set 6-3 after 34 minutes. The second set was even faster. Pegula kept Kenin on the defensive, capitalizing on weak returns. She broke in the second and fourth games, leading 5-0 before Kenin held serve in the sixth. But Pegula didn't let it drag on, finishing the set 6-1 in 22 minutes, ending the match in 56 minutes. This was the easiest win in the rivalry's history. The first four meetings (2026-2026) all went three sets, but since then Pegula has won all three in straight sets. This time she conceded just four games, far fewer than the eight games in the previous two wins. With this victory, Pegula improves her season record to 47-12 and extends her head-to-head lead over Kenin to 5-2. More importantly, this is a stepping stone toward the World No. 1 ranking. If Pegula wins her first Grand Slam title at the US Open, and Elena Rybakina loses before the semifinals, she will officially become the new World No. 1. This adds extra pressure and expectation. In the third round, Pegula faces No. 31 seed Leylah Fernandez, the 2026 US Open runner-up, who defeated Mananchaya Sawangkaew 6-4, 6-1 to reach the third round for the third time. This is Fernandez's first Grand Slam win in 2026, showing she is regaining form. However, given Pegula's current form, she is the heavy favorite. Tactically, the match highlighted the gap in fitness and confidence. Pegula moved well, hit deep and accurate, while Kenin looked tired and lacking belief after recent injuries. The 2026 Australian Open champion failed to show her fighting spirit. This loss extends Kenin's tough spell. Pegula, 30, is having the best season of her career. She has won three WTA 1000 titles this year and has only lost to Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka in major finals. With her solid, error-free, and enduring style, Pegula is a strong contender for the US Open title. If she maintains this form, she can beat anyone. The match between Pegula and Fernandez promises to be exciting. Fernandez is known for her resilience and fighting spirit, but Pegula has shown she can handle big challenges. Let's see if Pegula can continue her quest for her first Grand Slam title and simultaneously reach World No. 1.