In-form American Jessica Pegula paid tribute to ailing Buffalo Bills star Damar Hamlin as she moved confidently into the Australian Open third spherical in Melbourne.
Third-seeded Pegula outclassed Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-2 7-6 (7-5) on Wednesday to energy into the final 32 and prolong her run of straight-sets victories this summer time to 6 matches.
And the daughter of the Bulls’ billionaire homeowners Terry and Kim Pegula was fast to succeed in out to Hamlin, who’s recovering from a cardiac arrest suffered throughout an NFL recreation earlier this month towards the Cincinnati Bengals in Ohio.
Pegula wore Hamlin’s jersey No.3 on her skirt and likewise gave a nod to a loyal Bills fan at Rod Laver Arena.
“I saw a Buffalo Bills flag somewhere,” she mentioned.
“I swear he doesn’t stop holding it. I don’t know how his arms are still OK.
“But clearly one of many soccer gamers had a extremely tragic accident and I used to be simply attempting to point out help – bridge Australia and Buffalo, New York – which is form of unusual, however bridge these two worlds collectively.
“He’s recovered amazing, which has been awesome to see.”
Just as Pegula’s tennis has been superior to look at because the 28-year-old eyes a maiden grand slam crown at Melbourne Park.
1 / 4-final loser to eventual champion Ash Barty final yr, Pegula’s run this summer time has included a 6-2 6-2 mauling of world No.1 Iga Swiatek throughout Team USA’s cost to United Cup glory in Sydney.
The world No.3 has carried that kind to the season’s first main and says “that’s the plan” when requested if she might go all the best way.
“Every tournament you want to take it one match at a time but, at the same time, you still want to have those big goals,” Pegula mentioned.
“Definitely going as far as possible these few weeks is my main priority.
“My recreation simply actually fits the circumstances. The courts are fairly quick.The ball stays fairly low. I hit fairly flat so I like that I can get into a superb rhythm and form of hit my method by means of the courtroom.
“So I feel like just the conditions suit my game really well.”
Pegula will play both Australian wildcard Olivia Gadecki or rising Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk on Friday for a spot within the Open’s final 16 for a 3rd straight yr.
