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Jessica Pegula Downs Elena-Gabriela Ruse at U.S. Open

8/31/2026

43 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Pegula Advances

Jessica Pegula defeated Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3, 6-2 at the U.S. Open.
She missed nine break points but later converted two and won 92% of first-serve points.
Pegula hit 26 winners to Ruse’s 14, finishing the match in 83 minutes.
The win keeps her in contention for world No. 1, needing the title and Elena Rybakina’s early exit.
She will face the winner of Venus Williams vs. Sofia Kenin in round two.

Summary

US Open Boosts

The US Open announced a record $108 million prize purse for the 2026 tournament.
A Grand Slam player advisory council was created after top players demanded a larger revenue share.
The USTA report said 3.7 million Black Americans played tennis at least once in 2025, up 450,000.
Players were limited to 15 minutes of pre-tournament media, highlighting roughly 15 percent of revenue for prize money.

History

Historical Context

The US Open first awarded equal prize money in 1973, giving John Newcombe and Margaret Court $25,000 each after Billie Jean King’s push for parity. Since then the USTA has expanded the purse, reaching a $108 million total player compensation in 2026 with $5.5 million for each singles champion. Jessica Pegula’s 2024 win reflects that long-standing equity drive.

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Pegula Advances

Jessica Pegula defeated Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3, 6-2 at the U.S. Open.
She missed nine break points but later converted two and won 92% of first-serve points.
Pegula hit 26 winners to Ruse’s 14, finishing the match in 83 minutes.
The win keeps her in contention for world No. 1, needing the title and Elena Rybakina’s early exit.
She will face the winner of Venus Williams vs. Sofia Kenin in round two.

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