Fourth-seeded Jessica Pegula continues her U.S. Open campaign with a third-round match against two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
This marks the sixth consecutive year that Pegula, a former quarterfinalist, has advanced to at least the third round in New York. The American’s 2025 season has been a story of two halves, beginning with three tournament titles before she experienced several early-round losses leading into the U.S. Open. However, Pegula has shown resurgent form in Flushing, earning convincing straight-set victories over Mayar Sherif and Anna Blinkova by controlling play with clean hitting and precise serving.
Azarenka, currently ranked outside the top 100, progressed after a two-hour, straight-set win against qualifier Hina Inoue, followed by a more efficient victory over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Though no longer at her peak, the 36-year-old Belarusian remains a formidable returner who excels in long baseline exchanges.
The players are evenly matched in their history, with their head-to-head record tied at 3-3. Pegula won their most recent encounter in three sets on clay in Charleston earlier this year.
While Azarenka’s competitiveness will likely produce long, physical rallies, Pegula’s steadier baseline game and superior current form point toward a two-set victory. The American is expected to dictate play with her backhand and return effectively enough to avoid a deciding set.
How to Watch: Pegula vs. Azarenka
Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
Expected Start Time: 1:45 PM ET (following the Alcaraz-Darderi match)
Venue: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing, NY
Court: Arthur Ashe Stadium
TV: ESPN (whip-around coverage)
Streaming: A dedicated match stream is available on ESPN+. The main broadcast can also be streamed via the ESPN app.
