On a vibrant Sunday at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Day 8 of the 2025 US Open delivered a captivating array of women’s matches that showcased the brilliance, resilience, and drama that define Grand Slam tennis. Top seed and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka led the charge with a commanding straight-sets victory over Spain’s Cristina Bucșa, while American hope Jessica Pegula and former French Open champion Barbora Krejčíková also advanced to the quarterfinals with impressive performances. However, the day was not without heartbreak, as American Taylor Townsend fell in an epic three-set battle against Krejčíková, despite holding eight match points in a marathon tiebreak. Markéta Vondroušová rounded out the quarterfinalists, defeating ninth seed Elena Rybakina in a thrilling three-setter. This comprehensive wrap-up of Day 8’s women’s action delves into the matches, the players’ journeys, and the broader implications for the tournament, capturing the electric atmosphere of Flushing Meadows as the 2025 US Open reaches its critical stages.
Sabalenka’s Title Defense Gains Momentum
Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 and defending US Open champion, continued her imperious run through the women’s draw with a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Spain’s Cristina Bucșa on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Belarusian powerhouse, known for her thunderous groundstrokes and unrelenting intensity, showcased both her raw power and newfound composure in a match that lasted just over an hour. Sabalenka’s performance was a statement of intent, reinforcing her status as the favorite to become the first woman since Serena Williams to win back-to-back US Open titles.
The first set was a masterclass in aggressive tennis. Sabalenka overwhelmed Bucșa, a 27-year-old ranked No. 58, with a barrage of winners from both wings. Her forehand, one of the most lethal weapons in women’s tennis, was in full flow, as she fired 12 winners in the opening set alone. Bucșa, making her deepest run at a Grand Slam, struggled to match Sabalenka’s pace, managing just one game as the set was wrapped up in a brisk 28 minutes. Sabalenka’s serve, once a vulnerability, was a key factor, with the Belarusian landing 80% of her first serves and winning 90% of those points.
The second set saw Bucșa mount a spirited fightback, buoyed by the New York crowd’s encouragement. The Spaniard held serve in a marathon 11-minute game early in the set, fending off multiple break points with gritty defense and clever shot-making. Bucșa’s resilience forced Sabalenka to elevate her game, and the top seed responded with characteristic intensity. On her third match point, Sabalenka forced a forehand error from Bucșa, sealing the victory with a roar that echoed through Arthur Ashe Stadium. “It was a tough match,” Sabalenka said post-match. “Cristina battled hard, but I’m happy to close it out in straight sets. I’m feeling good and ready for the next challenge.”
Sabalenka’s evolution as a player has been remarkable. After years of battling inconsistency and emotional volatility, the 31-year-old has transformed into a complete competitor, blending her natural power with improved mental fortitude. Her work with biomechanist Gavin MacMillan has turned her serve into a weapon, and her ability to stay calm under pressure, as evidenced against Bucșa, suggests she is peaking at the right time. Sabalenka’s next opponent will be either Markéta Vondroušová or Elena Rybakina, a matchup that promises to test her mettle as she pursues a third Grand Slam title.
Pegula’s Resurgence Continues
Fourth seed Jessica Pegula kept American hopes alive with a clinical 6-1, 6-2 dismantling of compatriot Ann Li in a swift 65-minute match on Louis Armstrong Stadium. Pegula, who reached the semifinals in 2024, has been in scintillating form in 2025, rebounding from a challenging previous season marred by injuries and inconsistency. Her performance against Li was a testament to her all-court game, blending solid baseline play with deft touches at the net.
Pegula, ranked No. 4 in the world, wasted no time asserting her dominance. She broke Li’s serve in the opening game and never looked back, racing through the first set in just 27 minutes. Her backhand, one of the most reliable in the women’s game, was particularly effective, producing eight winners and forcing Li into defensive positions. The second set saw Li, a 25-year-old wild card ranked outside the top 100, attempt to rally, but Pegula’s consistency and tactical acumen were too much. A pinpoint lob on match point sealed the victory, sending Pegula into her second consecutive US Open quarterfinal.
Post-match, Pegula credited her relaxed mindset for her success. “It’s been a fun week,” she said. “I did an escape room with some friends, and it’s just been great to be back in New York playing in front of this crowd.” Pegula’s resurgence in 2025 has been fueled by a renewed focus on fitness and mental preparation. After struggling with a rib injury in 2024, she has worked tirelessly to regain her form, and her results in New York suggest she is a genuine contender for her first Grand Slam title. Pegula’s next opponent will be a formidable challenge, likely facing either Barbora Krejčíková or another top player, but her confidence and home-crowd support make her a dangerous prospect.
Krejčíková’s Epic Comeback Against Townsend
The match of the day, and arguably of the tournament, was the three-set epic between former French Open champion Barbora Krejčíková and American Taylor Townsend, which ended 6-1, 6-7(13), 3-6 in Krejčíková’s favor. The three-hour, 12-minute battle on Court 17 was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Townsend holding eight match points in a marathon second-set tiebreak that Krejčíková won 15-13. The Czech’s resilience and tactical brilliance ultimately prevailed, but Townsend’s performance captivated the New York crowd and showcased her immense potential.
Krejčíková, the No. 8 seed, started the match in dominant fashion, racing through the first set 6-1 as Townsend struggled with her serve and unforced errors. The American, known for her flamboyant all-court game and powerful lefty forehand, found her rhythm in the second set, engaging Krejčíková in long rallies and using her net skills to great effect. The set culminated in a tiebreak for the ages, with Townsend holding eight match points but failing to convert any. Krejčíková’s defensive prowess and ability to stay calm under pressure were remarkable, as she saved each match point with a combination of precise groundstrokes and clutch serving. On her third set point, Krejčíková finally closed out the tiebreak, leaving Townsend visibly shaken.
The third set saw Krejčíková seize control, breaking Townsend early and maintaining her lead with steady play. Townsend, despite her valiant effort, could not recover from the emotional toll of the tiebreak, and Krejčíková sealed the victory with a forehand winner. “Saving eight match points is something I’ll never forget,” Krejčíková said post-match. “It’s a huge moment for me, and I’m so proud of how I fought.”
For Townsend, the loss was heartbreaking but a testament to her growth. After upsetting fifth seed Mirra Andreeva earlier in the tournament, the 29-year-old showed she can compete with the best. “It’s about being bold and showing up as yourself,” Townsend said, her voice thick with emotion. “You guys saw the real Taylor Townsend tonight.” Her performance, marked by flair and fearlessness, suggests she could be a force in future Grand Slams.
Vondroušová’s Upset Victory
Markéta Vondroušová, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, delivered one of the day’s biggest surprises, defeating ninth seed Elena Rybakina 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in a high-quality encounter. The Czech left-hander, known for her crafty all-court game, outmaneuvered Rybakina with a mix of spin, slices, and deft drop shots. The match, played under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, showcased Vondroušová’s tactical brilliance and her ability to disrupt the rhythm of power players like Rybakina.
The first set was a tight affair, with Vondroušová breaking Rybakina late to take it 6-4. Rybakina, a former Wimbledon champion herself, fought back in the second set, using her booming serve to level the match at one set apiece. However, Vondroušová’s variety proved decisive in the third set, as she broke Rybakina twice and closed out the match with a perfectly executed lob. The victory sets up a mouthwatering quarterfinal against Sabalenka, pitting two Grand Slam champions against each other in what promises to be a clash of contrasting styles.
Vondroušová’s win is a reminder of her potential when healthy. After struggling with injuries since her Wimbledon triumph, the 26-year-old has rediscovered her form in New York, and her performance against Rybakina suggests she could go deep in the tournament. For Rybakina, the loss was a setback, but her powerful game and competitive spirit ensure she remains a threat in future events.
The Broader Context of Day 8
Day 8 of the 2025 US Open highlighted the depth and unpredictability of the women’s draw. Sabalenka’s dominance, Pegula’s resurgence, Krejčíková’s resilience, and Vondroušová’s upset victory underscored the variety of playing styles and personalities that make the women’s game so compelling. The absence of players like Iga Świątek and Coco Gauff, who fell earlier in the tournament, has opened the door for new faces to shine, but the presence of proven champions like Sabalenka and Krejčíková ensures the competition remains fierce.
The electric atmosphere at Flushing Meadows, with its passionate crowds and late-night drama, was on full display. Arthur Ashe Stadium, with its 23,000-strong capacity, roared for Sabalenka and Vondroušová, while smaller venues like Court 17 provided an intimate setting for Townsend’s heroics. The US Open’s unique blend of intensity and spectacle continues to captivate fans, and Day 8 was a perfect example of why it is considered the most electrifying of the four Grand Slams.
Player Backgrounds and Journeys
Aryna Sabalenka: The Belarusian’s journey to world No. 1 has been one of perseverance. After years of near-misses in Grand Slams, her 2024 US Open triumph was a breakthrough, and her 2025 season has been defined by consistency and confidence. Sabalenka’s improved serve and mental toughness have made her a complete player, and her love for the New York crowd’s energy fuels her performances.
Jessica Pegula: The Buffalo native, backed by her billionaire family, has long been a steady presence on tour but has faced criticism for not breaking through in majors. Her 2025 resurgence, fueled by improved fitness and a lighter approach to the game, has silenced doubters. Pegula’s connection to New York, where she feels at home, adds an extra layer of motivation.
Barbora Krejčíková: The Czech’s 2021 French Open title was a career-defining moment, but injuries have hampered her progress since. Her performance against Townsend, saving eight match points, is a reminder of her fighting spirit and tactical acumen. Krejčíková’s all-court game and cool-headedness make her a dangerous opponent.
Markéta Vondroušová: The 2023 Wimbledon champion’s unorthodox style, with its mix of spins and slices, makes her a nightmare for power players. Her victory over Rybakina shows she is regaining the form that carried her to Grand Slam glory, and her quarterfinal against Sabalenka will be a fascinating tactical battle.
Taylor Townsend: The American’s journey has been one of resilience, overcoming body-shaming and injuries to become a fan favorite. Her net-rushing style and powerful lefty forehand make her a unique presence, and her performance in New York signals a bright future.
Implications for the Tournament
The women’s quarterfinals are shaping up to be a blockbuster affair. Sabalenka’s clash with Vondroušová pits power against guile, while Pegula’s likely matchup against Krejčíková will test her consistency against a proven champion. The absence of top seeds like Świątek and Gauff has opened the draw, but the presence of players like Sabalenka, who is chasing history, ensures the stakes remain sky-high.
For American fans, Pegula carries the nation’s hopes, especially after Townsend’s defeat. Her ability to perform under pressure in New York, where she thrives on the home support, makes her a genuine contender. Meanwhile, Krejčíková’s comeback and Vondroušová’s upset victory add intrigue, as both players have the pedigree to go all the way.
The US Open’s Unique Appeal
The 2025 US Open continues to deliver on its reputation as the most unpredictable and exhilarating Grand Slam. The hard courts of Flushing Meadows, with their fast pace and unforgiving bounce, reward aggressive play, making them the perfect stage for players like Sabalenka and Pegula. The tournament’s night sessions, with their electric atmosphere, amplify the drama, as seen in Vondroušová’s victory under the lights. The diversity of the women’s draw, with players from Belarus, the USA, the Czech Republic, and beyond, reflects the global appeal of tennis and the LPGA’s growing influence.
Looking Ahead
As the US Open moves into its second week, the women’s draw promises more thrills. Sabalenka remains the player to beat, but Vondroušová’s craftiness, Pegula’s consistency, and Krejčíková’s resilience ensure that nothing is certain. The quarterfinals will test the mental and physical limits of these players, with each match carrying the weight of history. For Sabalenka, a second US Open title would cement her legacy as one of the game’s greats. For Pegula, a deep run could finally deliver the Grand Slam breakthrough she has long sought. And for Krejčíková and Vondroušová, the opportunity to add another major title looms large.
Day 8 of the 2025 US Open was a microcosm of what makes tennis so compelling: moments of brilliance, heartbreak, and resilience played out on the sport’s biggest stage. As the tournament hurtles toward its climax, the women’s draw is poised for a thrilling conclusion, with Sabalenka, Pegula, Krejčíková, and Vondroušová leading the charge.
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