Top-ranked American Jessica Pegula will lock horns with the resurgent Elina Svitolina for a spot in the round of 16 at the 2023 US Open, and Pegula seems eager to face her Ukrainian opponent.

In 2022, Svitolina took some time off to give birth to her first child with husband, ATP star Gael Monfils. Upon returning in 2023, the former World No.3 took the WTA by storm, winning a WTA title in Strasbourg, before reaching the French Open semifinals and Wimbledon semifinals (where she beat World No.1 Iga Swiatek).

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Pegula excited to see Svitolina playing at such a high level after a long break from the sport

In an interview before their third round clash, Pegula was asked about her thoughts on facing the resurgent Ukrainian.

"Elina is so tough," she admitted. "I feel like every single match we play is always just a really good battle. I feel like we play into each others games where we make each other play better & always just have really great matches. It’s great to see her back playing at such a high level so quickly.”

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The pair have clashed on four separate occasions, with Pegula leading 3-1 in career meetings. Their last meeting was in the quarterfinal stage of the Washington Open, with Pegula prevailing in three sets.