Pegula stormed back after losing the first set to keep Leylah Fernandez of Canada at bay for a 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory and secure a place in the fourth round.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The place in the fourth round means Pegula is on course for a maiden Grand Slam title and No. 1 ranking, both goals still looking obtainable in the next week.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Heading onto court, Pegula had not lost more than three games in any of her four sets this tournament. However, the American star was a bit erratic in the opening exchanges, in stark contrast to the depth whipped in by left-hander Fernandez.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Canadian surged to a 3-0 lead and was reading the game well, looking a step ahead in the prolonged rallies. With a deft forehand volley and plenty of angled approach shots, the 23-year-old sat down with a set lead with just 30 minutes on the clock.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pegula had to clean up her game for a comeback, landing just 31 percent of first serves and mistiming 11 unforced errors in an out-of-character opening set.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Canadian surged to a 3-0 lead and was reading the game well, looking a step ahead in the prolonged rallies. With a deft forehand volley and plenty of angled approach shots, the 23-year-old sat down with a set lead with just 30 minutes on the clock.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The American player did not back down, clenched her fist, and walked to the changeover with a decider incoming. Pegula was still scrapping, still searching for her tour-leading level. The decisive moment came when the home hope entered \u2018no miss mode\u2019 to obtain a 3-1 break advantage. It was a huge effort, yet Pegula survived into the second week.<\/p>\r\n\r\n