Pegula and Sabalenka dominate at US Open: Second serve strategy and mental game

In 56 minutes on Arthur Ashe Court, Jessica Pegula lost only seven service points and defeated Sofia Kenin 6-3, 6-1 – a number showing complete tactical dominance. Pegula, last year's runner-up, has significantly improved her second serve. She said: "I'm trying to hit harder on second serves, change directions and trust that I can hit good serves in important moments." Statistics show Pegula faced no break points and lost just seven service points – a rare number at a Grand Slam. Aryna Sabalenka, the two-time defending champion, also needed only 54 minutes to get past Polina Iatcenko 6-1, 6-1. Sabalenka has changed mentally: "I'm not chasing perfection on court anymore. I know you can't be perfect, and I'm just trying to work with what I have." This maturity could be the key to defending her title. Other players like Linda Noskova, Elina Svitolina, Iva Jovic, Diana Shnaider, Marta Kostyuk, Jasmine Paolini, and Emma Navarro also impressed. Jelena Ostapenko was the only seed eliminated, losing to Tatjana Maria 4-6, 6-1, 6-2. Looking at the results, I see a trend: players with clear serving strategies and stable mindsets are dominating. Pegula and Sabalenka are prime examples. They win not just on points but tactically. This shows they are in peak form, and their relatively easy wins could be a physical advantage for later rounds. Based on my experience following matches, I think winning quickly isn't always good, as it can make players lose match sharpness. However, for veterans like Pegula and Sabalenka, they know how to stay focused. The question is whether they can maintain this level against tougher opponents. For me, the answer lies in adaptability – and that's what I'll be watching closely. New media doesn't kill a brand; it exposes brands without substance. A wrong prediction isn't failure; it's free data for the next calculation. This US Open is witnessing the rise of players with clear strategies, and that's worth waiting for.