Pegula stops Raducanu's resurgent run in Cincinnati, advances to quarterfinal

Eighth seed Jessica Pegula displayed some of her best tennis on Thursday night at the Western & Southern Open, defeating 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu in straight sets to advance to the quarterfinals.

Pegula looked confident in her 7-5 6-4 win over the British star, to reach her fourth WTA 1000 quarterfinal of the season. The American negated Raducanu's power from the baseline, as she moved her opponent around the court with effortless precision.

Following an early exchange of breaks in the first set, Pegula maintained her composure to obtain a second break and clinch the opening set. The World No.8 kept her rhythm going into the second set, applying pressure to break in the third game. She never looked back, holding her serve to close out the match after an hour and 42 minutes.

Pegula has been in great form at recent WTA 1000 tournaments, reaching three semifinals in her last four events. The 28-year old will face charismatic Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia, who defeated the top-ranked American at the start of the season in Sydney.