World No. 4 Jessica Pegula books spot in second straight US Open semi

The GIST: We’re somehow already halfway through the US Open women’s singles quarter-finals (QFs), which means it’s time for a tourney status update. Here’s who’s putting the “hard” in hard courts at the fourth and final Grand Slam of the year.

👀 World No. 4 Jess Pegula eyes a rematch with No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka: One of two American women left standing, Pegula has yet to drop a set at the US Open. Now that incredible run will be put to the test when she faces a familiar foe in tomorrow’s semis: defending champ Sabalenka, whom Pegula lost to in last year’s final. Spicy.

👏 No. 24 Naomi Osaka reaches first major QF since 2021: Twenty months after her return to the WTA Tour following the birth of her daughter, the four-time major champ is making a deep run, knocking out No. 3 Coco Gauff on Monday. 2025 has truly been the year of the tennis super mom, with mothers advancing to at least the QFs at all four Grand Slams.

💐 Top-seeded Taylor Townsend-Kateřina Siniaková duo oust celebrated Venus Williams-Leylah Fernandez pairing in women’s doubles: The joyful run from tennis legend Williams and Canada’s own Fernandez came to an end after they lost in straight sets to Townsend/Siniaková during yesterday’s QF.

• That said, this tourney proved to be a tremendous showing from the unlikely Williams/Fernandez pairing, who hadn’t even played together before the US Open. Give them all the flowers.

• Plus, one Canadian remains in contention in women’s doubles: Gabriela Dabrowski, who’ll compete alongside New Zealand’s Erin Tourliffe in today’s 5:10 p.m. ET semi vs. Italian duo Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani.