Breaking Barriers:US women reach new….
Jan 25, 2024; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Coco Gauff of the United States in action against Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in the semi-final of the womens singles at the Australian Open. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
US women reach new heigh
A historic day unfolded at the National Bank Open as six American women – Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro, Peyton Stearns, Taylor Townsend, and Amanda Anisimova – competed for a spot in the quarterfinals.
This marked a milestone, as never before had more than three American women reached the quarterfinals of the same WTA-1000 event.
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) began awarding 1000 points to tournament winners in 2009, starting with four mandatory events. In 2021, five additional tournaments merged with the mandatory events, also offering 1000 points to their champions.
On Day 4 in Toronto, Taylor Townsend initiated the historic day with a dominant 6-2, 6-1 win over 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko. Emma Navarro followed with a hard-fought 7-5, 7-5 victory over Marta Kostyuk.
Jessica Pegula triumphed over Ashlyn Krueger 6-2, 6-4, while Amanda Anisimova and Peyton Stearns advanced due to their opponents’ retirements.
Although Coco Gauff fell to Diana Shnaider, the remaining five American women secured their spots in the quarterfinals, setting a new record. This achievement showcases the depth and strength of American women’s tennis. The National Bank Open will feature two all-American women’s quarterfinals: Pegula vs. Stearns and Navarro vs. Townsend.
This marks the first time since the 2016 Bank of the West Classic that two all-American quarterfinals have occurred at the same WTA event.
This remarkable feat highlights the resurgence of American women’s tennis, demonstrating a promising future for the sport.
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