Tennis-Pegula, Gauff lead American women's hopes at U.S. Open

FILE PHOTO: Aug 17, 2023; Mason, OH, USA; Jessica Pegula, of the United States, returns a shot to Marie Bouzkova, of the Czech Republic, during their third-round match of the Western & Southern Open tennis tournament at Lindner Family Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports/file photo

NEW YORK (Reuters) - World number one Iga Swiatek is a heavy favourite to retain her U.S. Open title, but Americans Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff have recently shown they can beat the Pole and will lead the American charge at Flushing Meadows.

Third-ranked Pegula and number six Gauff each took down Swiatek en route to a WTA 1000 title in August, an auspicious sign for U.S. fans who are longing for an end to an American Grand Slam drought.