Updated

Updated · The New York Times · Sep 9

Navarro Breaks Pegula Early in 3rd Set as Sabalenka, Tiafoe Reach U.S. Open Semis

Updated

Updated · The New York Times · Sep 9

Navarro Breaks Pegula Early in 3rd Set as Sabalenka, Tiafoe Reach U.S. Open Semis

Q: Will Pegula's tactical masterclass in the third set finally propel her to the coveted World No. 1 ranking?

Pegula’s third-set adjustment strengthens her bid for World No. 1, but it does not by itself guarantee she will get there. What it does show is why she remains firmly in the race. Against Navarro, Pegula recovered after losing the opening set by changing patterns, repeatedly exposing Navarro’s backhand and using heavy pressure to control longer rallies. That kind of in-match problem-solving has been a hallmark of her 2026 season, particularly on hard courts, where she has piled up 31 wins, the most on the WTA Tour, and 47 match wins overall, tied for the most across both tours. Those numbers matter because the ranking battle is driven by sustained results, not one tactical display. Pegula was already in the mix entering the US Open, and a deep run in New York is critical to any realistic push to No. 1. Her form supports that case: she has repeatedly come through tough three-setters, reached another high-pressure stage at her home major, and continued to handle Navarro, whom she had already beaten four straight times before this meeting. Still, the ranking outcome depends on how far Pegula goes from here and on what the players above or around her in the standings do during the tournament. A strong comeback on Arthur Ashe underlines that she has the level, resilience and consistency of a No. 1 contender. But the coveted ranking will be decided by the full US Open result, not by one impressive third set alone.

Q: How will the unexpected delay impact the explosive energy of the highly anticipated Shelton-Alcaraz quarterfinal clash?

The delay is more likely to sharpen the atmosphere than drain it, though it could push the Shelton-Alcaraz quarterfinal into a more volatile late-night setting. Arthur Ashe Stadium crowds typically build toward prime time, and a tense three-set all-American women’s quarterfinal can keep spectators engaged rather than empty the building. If Pegula and Navarro finish close to the revised start, Shelton and Alcaraz should still walk into a crowd already emotionally warmed up by a high-stakes match. For Shelton, the delay may not be entirely negative. He arrived after a quick straight-sets win over Stefanos Tsitsipas, serving 12 aces and never facing a break point, so extra waiting time should not carry physical cost. It may even heighten anticipation around the American, especially with home fans hoping he can challenge a player Alcaraz has beaten in all three of their previous meetings. The main risk is timing. A later start can change match dynamics by making the contest feel more like a night-session spectacle than a conventional quarterfinal. That usually favors surges of momentum, crowd noise and emotional swings—conditions that fit Shelton’s explosive style, but also suit Alcaraz, who has been in commanding form and has dropped only one set through four rounds. So the delay should not reduce the match’s energy. It is more likely to intensify the event feel, with the biggest effect being a later, louder and potentially more momentum-driven atmosphere.

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 9

Emma Navarro moved ahead 2-1 in the deciding set after breaking No. 3 seed Jessica Pegula, who had just rallied from a set down to force a third in their U.S. Open quarterfinal.
Pegula’s momentum swung again when a long backhand handed Navarro the break, after Pegula had saved two break points in the game but struggled with passive baseline play.
Earlier, Pegula leveled the match 6-4 in the second set by breaking Navarro on set point, reversing a first set in which her serve wobbled and double faults piled up.
Elsewhere at Flushing Meadows, top seed Aryna Sabalenka beat Linda Noskova in three sets, while No. 11 Frances Tiafoe rallied past Alex Michelsen in five, including a deciding tiebreak.
The late-night quarterfinal session still had No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz and No. 8 Ben Shelton scheduled next, with Navarro chasing her first win over Pegula and a semifinal berth.