In a stunning upset, Madison Keys defeated third-seeded Jessica Pegula at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday, securing her spot in the US Open quarterfinals for the first time since 2018. Keys, who had a disappointing early exit in Cincinnati last month, displayed an exceptional performance on the New York hard courts, overpowering her opponent with 21 winners. Pegula, who had previously defeated the 17th-seeded Keys in their only meeting last year and had recently won the Montreal title, struggled to find her usual form and finesse.
Madison Keys expressed her comfort on the New York hard courts, having been the runner-up in 2017. Her experience and familiarity with the setting seemed to work in her favor as she dominated the match. Keys stated, “I’ve had so many amazing moments in New York,” highlighting her ability to overcome difficult positions during matches. This confidence and resilience have undoubtedly contributed to her success throughout her 12 appearances in the US Open main draw.
Keys’ next challenge in the quarterfinals will be against Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova. Although Vondrousova had a rocky start against American Peyton Stearns, she managed to secure a comeback victory with a scoreline of 6-7 (3), 6-3, 6-2. Both Keys and Vondrousova possess remarkable talent and skill, promising an exhilarating match for spectators.
Throughout the match, Madison Keys displayed her dominance on the court. She broke Pegula’s serve early in the first set with a powerful backhand winner, setting the tone for the rest of the match. Keys continued to assert her authority by breaking Pegula’s serve once again in the sixth game of the first set. Although Pegula managed to break back immediately in the following game, Keys remained calm and composed, ultimately retaking the lead and securing victory.
Despite considering Jessica Pegula a close friend, Madison Keys did not let personal connections affect her performance. In a courtside interview, Keys acknowledged the difficulty of playing against a friend but emphasized her focus on the game when stepping onto the court. This professionalism and determination were evident throughout the match, culminating in a subdued celebration from Keys as she closed out the match with a forehand shot into the net from Pegula.
Madison Keys produced an outstanding performance against Jessica Pegula, securing her place in the US Open quarterfinals. Keys’ familiarity with the New York hard courts and her ability to overcome challenging situations have undoubtedly contributed to her success. Her upcoming quarterfinal match against Marketa Vondrousova promises to be a thrilling encounter. As Keys progresses further in the tournament, fans eagerly await her next remarkable display of skill and determination.
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