Player of the day: Brady cruises into NYC fourth round

It's really too bad American Jennifer Brady didn't have the opportunity to play through a normal 2020 season, but she's making the most of her time on the court.

Before COVID-19 shut down the tours in March, Brady found herself reaching the quarterfinals of Brisbane, defeating world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty on the way. The following month, she would hand Elina Svitolina a 6-2, 6-1 loss and defeat yet another major champion in Garbine Muguruza to reach the semifinals in Dubai.

Following the six-month tour hiatus, Brady didn't drop a single set in claiming her first tournament back at the Top Seed Open last month. All this to say, her winning ways are continuing this week at the US Open.

With her heavy topspin forehand and piercing-flat backhand, Brady defeated No. 32 seed Caroline Garcia, 6-3, 6-3, to reach the round of 16 in New York. Garcia appeared to be unstoppable the round before as she took out the No. 1 seed Karolina Pliskova with ease, but Brady had the Frenchwoman on a string the entire match.

"I think today I started pretty strong," Brady told press. "I think I played really well. I served really well today. I looked as much as possible to be on offense before she was able to be on offense and dictating points."

The world No. 41 hasn't reached the round of 16 in New York since 2017, when she fell to Pliskova 6-1, 6-0. This time around she appears to be much more fit, which is enabling her to fully utilize her shot selection. The 25-year-old's serve is also a force to be reckoned with all on its own.

Fast Facts:

3

The most games she has lost per set during this US Open.

8

The former UCLA Bruin became the 8th player in school history to claim a Pac-12 Singles title.

1

She captured her first WTA title at last month's Top Seed Open.

Brady will next face highly experienced, three-time major champion Angelique Kerber, for a spot in the quarterfinal. The Pennsylvania native will look to join the last eight, a round she has yet to reach at a major event.