CINCINNATI — Jessica Pegula versus Amanda Anisimova. An all-American quarterfinal at the Cincinnati Open. It is the first time since 2004 that two Americans meet at this stage of a WTA 1000 hard-court event.
The match is more than a semifinal berth. It is a direct challenge to the WTA’s perceived ‘Big 3’ of Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elena Rybakina. For two seasons, that trio has monopolized the tour’s biggest titles. On Friday, the narrative cracks.
Pegula arrives as the No. 6 seed. Anisimova, unseeded, has won 11 of her last 13 matches. The winner likely faces Swiatek or Rybakina in the semifinals. That juxtaposition is the story.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: When was the last all-American WTA 1000 hard-court quarterfinal before this match?
- A: The last time was in 2004, making this a historic matchup.
- Q: Who are the WTA’s ‘Big 3’ mentioned in the article?
- A: Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elena Rybakina, who have dominated recent major titles.
- Q: What is at stake for the winner of this quarterfinal?
- A: A semifinal berth, likely against Swiatek or Rybakina, and a statement that American tennis can break the ‘Big 3’ ceiling.