Sawt Falasteen - Vondrousova plays through pain to meet Pegula at French Open

Czech Vondrousova, the French Open losing finalist in 2019, rallied past Poland's Magdalena Frech 6-0, 4-6, 6-3 and next meets third-seeded American Jessica Pegula.

Pegula, last year's US Open runner-up, beat 55th-ranked fellow American Ann Li 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) in their second-round match on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Vondrousova has been plagued by injuries and underwent shoulder surgery last year.

The 25-year-old reached the quarter-finals at Roland Garros last year.

"If it stays like this I'm very happy," said Vondrousova after coming through in two hours against 25th-seeded Frech.

"I'm happy to get through. I'm just proud of myself. I don't feel that much pain in physio."

She next faces Pegula who she beat in their only previous meeting -- the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2023 -- where the Czech became the lowest ranked winner of the tournament in the Open era.

"I know she struggled with a lot of injuries at the beginning of the year," said Pegula.

"And she's won some good matches, obviously is a finalist here. She obviously knows how to play good tennis here at Roland Garros."

"We haven't played each other in a little while and haven't played on clay," continued the American.

"I think that's going to be the trickiest part for me."

The 31-year-old Pegula, who missed the 2024 tournament at Roland Garros, reached the quarter-finals three years ago.

Pegula broke Li's serve three times, while saving six of seven break points against her.

Q.Najjar--SF-PST