American third seed Jessica Pegula advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2026 US Open after defeating Romania’s Sorana Cirstea 6–3, 6–4 on Sunday.
The victory at Louis Armstrong Stadium kept Pegula’s hopes of winning her first Grand Slam title alive and moved her another step closer to challenging for the world number one ranking.
Pegula, a former US Open finalist, produced a strong performance against the 16th-seeded Cirstea and controlled important moments of the match.
Pegula makes a fast start
Pegula immediately put pressure on Cirstea, winning the first 13 points of the match and opening a 3–0 lead.
However, the first set became more competitive as both players struggled to hold serve. There were several service breaks, with only three of the first nine games being held.
Cirstea had an opportunity to level the set at 3–3 after earning three break points, but she could not take advantage.
Pegula eventually secured the opening set 6–3 after needing five set points.
American pulls away in second set
Pegula carried her momentum into the second set and broke Cirstea’s serve to take a 3–1 lead.
She moved ahead 4–1 before Cirstea fought back and attempted to keep herself in the contest.
One of the longest rallies of the match came during the seventh game, when the players exchanged 29 shots before Pegula eventually won the point. Cirstea, however, managed to hold serve during that game.
Pegula remained composed and eventually closed out the set 6–4 to secure her place in the last eight.
Cirstea’s final Grand Slam appearance
The defeat brought an emotional end to Cirstea’s 2026 US Open campaign.
The Romanian was making what was reported as her final Grand Slam appearance. She had enjoyed a strong late-career period and had previously returned to the world’s top 20.
Pegula praised her opponent after the match, recognising the Romanian’s competitiveness during their recent meetings.
Pegula’s title hopes continue
Pegula now advances to the US Open quarter-finals as she continues her pursuit of a first Grand Slam championship.
She has previously reached the US Open final, finishing runner-up in 2024, and is looking to go further this year.
Her next opponent will be determined by the match between Emma Navarro and Anna Kalinskaya.
With several leading players still in the tournament, Pegula faces a difficult road ahead, but her straight-sets victory over Cirstea has strengthened her position among the leading contenders for the women’s title.
