Entertainment
Jessica Pegula advances at 2026 US Open amid continued bid for first Grand Slam title
The world No. 3 defeated Elena-Gabriela Ruse in straight sets to set up a second-round match against Sofia Kenin.
The short version
- Jessica Pegula won her opening match at the 2026 US Open against Elena-Gabriela Ruse in straight sets.
- Pegula, the third-ranked women's player globally and daughter of Buffalo Bills and Sabres owners Terry and Kim Pegula, is pursuing her first career Grand Slam singles title.
- She is scheduled to face fellow American Sofia Kenin in the second round.
Key facts
- Pegula defeated Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3, 6-2 in the opening round of the 2026 US Open.[Business Insider]
- Pegula is currently ranked No. 3 in the world by the WTA and holds 11 career singles titles.[Business Insider]
- Pegula reached the final of the 2024 US Open and the semifinals of both the 2025 US Open and the 2026 Australian Open.[Business Insider]
- Pegula's career prize earnings exceed $24 million, with more than $4.2 million earned in 2026 alone.[Business Insider]
- Her parents, Terry and Kim Pegula, own the NFL's Buffalo Bills and the NHL's Buffalo Sabres.[Business Insider]