Pegula Opens US Open, Djokovic Headlines Night Session

World No. 3 Jessica Pegula overcame first‑round nerves to beat Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3, 6-2 in the US Open opener on Arthur Ashe Stadium, signaling her bid for a maiden major title. Pegula admitted the occasion and nerves on the cavernous court, but she still dominated after weathering a tight early stretch, converting key break opportunities to secure straight sets. The American highlighted her status as the top-ranked American in the draw as she moves into the second round, where she will face the winner of Venus Williams vs. Sofia Kenin. In the same first day session, Barbora Krejcikova became the first seed to exit, saving six match points before losing to Kamilla Rakhimova, underscoring the tournament’s potential for surprises. Pegula’s win keeps her on track for a deep run as she chases her first Grand Slam title, with Djokovic looming in the night session later. The event kicked off with strong attendance and a heightened spotlight on Ashe as the season’s final major got underway.