BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Feeling the love from Bills fans at the U.S. Open, Jessica Pegula returned serve after her latest victory.
"Thanks everyone for coming out and supporting," Pegula said on the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens following her 7-6, 6-3 win against compatriot Sofia Kenin in Thursday's second round match. "Especially those Bills fans hiding out."
A straight-set winner in her first two matches at Flushing Meadows, the Buffalonian whose parents own the Bills and Sabres surmised that she heard more fans from "New York State's team," than the hometown football club. "I think I heard a couple Jets fans there," Pegula joked after a smattering of boos.
Continuing her strong play from repeating as Canadian Open champion in Toronto and reaching the Cincinnati Open final, Pegula has advanced to further than she did in any previous Grand Slam event this season.
Pegula can count on hearing more cheers from Bills fans when she meets Jessica Bouzas Maneiro of Spain in the third round Saturday.
"It’s a lot of fun getting the support," she said. "I know we’re New York State’s team. Everyone, when I say I’m from New York, they say, oh New York City? I’m like no, no, no, I’m from Buffalo. It’s much different. Way further away."
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Jonah Bronstein joined the WIVB squad in 2022 as a digital sports reporter. The Buffalonian has covered the Bills, Sabres, Bandits, Bisons, colleges, high schools and other notable sporting events in Western New York since 2005, for publications including The Associated Press, The Buffalo News, and Niagara Gazette. Read more of his work here.
