NEW YORK — Jessica Pegula came close to winning her first major championship a year ago at the U.S. Open.

The Buffalo native returned to the court Sunday night at Flushing Meadows, hoping to replicate the magic of that run over the next two weeks. She started off strong, beating Egypt's Mayar Sherif 6-0, 6-4 in the first round at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Pegula wasted no time establishing her dominance. The No. 4 seed won the first set in 22 minutes and lost only 10 points during that set.

The second set proved more challenging. Pegula trailed 4-1 before winning five straight games to steal the set and end the match.

Pegula made a name for herself during the U.S. Open a year ago, breaking through in the quarterfinals to beat then-No. 1 Iga Swiatek 6-2, 6-4. Pegula ultimately lost 7-5, 7-5

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