Wimbledon champion Markéta Vondroušová secured her first-ever US Open quarterfinal spot, defeating American Peyton Stearns in a thrilling match. Despite a troublesome shoulder, Vondroušová clinched an 11th consecutive Grand Slam victory. She’ll face Madison Keys in the semis, who defeated Jessica Pegula.
Vondroušová’s previous best in New York was five years ago. She also beat Stearns at Wimbledon earlier this year. Despite her shoulder issue, she served nine aces and converted seven break points, while Stearns made 52 unforced errors. Vondroušová and Barbora Strýcová withdrew from the doubles after advancing.
“Peyton played great from the beginning. I just tried to stay in the match and focus on every ball. She is a very dangerous player who has a great future ahead of her. It was a tough match,” Vondrousova said in an on-court interview. She joins fellow Czech Karolina Muchova in the quarterfinals, with Muchova facing Sorana Cirstea.
This marks Vondroušová’s third Grand Slam quarterfinal appearance, with her sights set on a strong finish.
