On August 24, 2025, Jessica Pegula will square off against Mayar Sherif in the first round of the US Open, held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. This Grand Slam event, played on hard courts, features a prize pool totaling $90 million, putting added pressure on both competitors to perform well.
As the fourth seed, Pegula aims to leverage her strong track record and previous experience at this tournament, while Sherif, ranked No. 104 globally, hopes to cause an upset despite limited hard-court success this season.
Player Profiles and Seasonal Performance Insights
Jessica Pegula comes into the US Open after a mixed period in her 2025 campaign. Known for her aggressive baseline game and calm demeanour during critical moments, she has claimed three titles this year and holds a 37-16 win-loss record, reaffirming her status as a consistent Top-10 player. Last year, Pegula was the runner-up at this very event, and her early-season form showed promise, especially on hard courts.
Nonetheless, her recent performances have raised concerns, with early departures in Washington, Canada, and Cincinnati, all key hard-court tournaments where Pegula typically excels. These setbacks cast some uncertainty on her readiness but do not diminish her proven ability to perform on big stages.
Mayar Sherif offers a contrasting style and background. The Egyptian player’s 2025 record stands at 22-16, largely built on clay courts where she has won several Challenger titles. However, Sherif has struggled on hard surfaces this year, enduring a six-match losing streak before ending it with a win in Miami. Since Wimbledon, she has competed only on clay and skipped the American hard-court summer events, adding to the challenges she faces on New York’s hard courts.
Head-to-Head Analysis: No Previous Encounters on Tour
Jessica Pegula and Mayar Sherif have never met before in WTA competition, making this their inaugural matchup. With their distinct playing styles and recent form trends, this clash presents an intriguing contrast between an established hard-court contender and a clay-court specialist testing her adaptability on a fast surface.
Current Odds and Predictions for the Match
Although the official betting odds from BetMGM are pending updates, current assessments strongly favour Pegula given her superior ranking and more consistent form on hard courts. Sherif’s lack of preparation on this surface and her recent focus on clay tournaments place her at a disadvantage.
Reviewing recent records, Pegula is 2–3 since Wimbledon but still holds solid momentum from earlier success, including tournament wins at Charleston and Bad Homburg. Sherif, ranked 104th, arrives with a modest 4-3 record post-Wimbledon on clay and no hard-court tune-ups.
The prediction leans towards a straight-sets victory for Pegula, largely due to her stronger baseline game, experience under pressure, and familiarity with the venue and surface.
Significance and Expectations Moving Forward
This first-round contest at the 2025 US Open carries considerable importance for Jessica Pegula, who looks to regain rhythm after recent setbacks and capitalize on her previous finals experience at Flushing Meadows. Success here could signal a return to form as the season progresses.
For Mayar Sherif, this match represents an opportunity to test herself against a top-tier opponent on a surface that is not her strongest, potentially gaining valuable experience to aid her future hard-court performances.
As the tournament unfolds, attention will remain focused on Pegula’s ability to navigate early challenges and build momentum for a deep run in this prestigious Grand Slam event.