The US Open is on to the quarterfinals. The American crowd gets the pleasure of seeing two of its own face off for a spot in the semifinals. The World No. 3 Jessica Pegula will face the World No. 27 Emma Navarro at 7:00 p.m. ET at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Here is my pick and prediction for the all-American quarterfinal between Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro.
Jessica Pegula vs. Emma Navarro Prediction, Preview
Jessica Pegula Preview
This is a big opportunity for Jessica Pegula. In a sport dominated by young stars, the 32-year-old is playing the best tennis of her life over the past couple of years. Pegula had never made it past the quarterfinals at a major until her breakthrough in New York in 2024. Pegula went on a run all the way to the final at that US Open, eventually losing to World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. However, she gained real confidence at these majors from that run. She made it to the semifinals at last year’s US Open and at this year’s Australian Open. Pegula is now in position to make her third consecutive US Open semifinal. However, she has a good friend and fellow American standing in her path.
Emma Navarro Preview
Emma Navarro is looking to make her second career major semifinal, having made her first at the 2024 US Open. Navarro has never been an elite player in terms of her rankings, but is capable of getting hot and going on deep runs into tournaments, as she has demonstrated here in New York.
It has been a tough year for Navarro, who had to take a couple of months away from the sport in the spring to treat her health issues. Navarro was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and has been dealing with mental health issues surrounding her diagnosis as well. That is why it has been so great to see her back at her best at this US Open. Despite those struggles, Navarro has made two WTA finals and won a title this year. Only time will tell if the big run in New York can continue against her compatriot, Jessica Pegula.
Jessica Pegula vs. Emma Navarro Pick, Best Bet
My best bet is for Jessica Pegula to win by a score of two sets to one. There is a ton of value in this bet at +265. Jessica Pegula is 4-0 in her career against Emma Navarro and is a deserving favorite to win this match. Pegula and Navarro just faced off three weeks ago in Cincinnati, where Pegula knocked Navarro out in the Round of 32. Of their four career meetings, two of them have gone to three sets. Jessica Pegula should win this match, but Emma Navarro won’t go down without a fight. She is playing at a high level in this tournament and is more than capable of stealing a set. While this is likely to be a Pegula win, it has a real chance to be a tight three-setter.
