New collaboration behind Peterson's success

Rebecca Peterson, 70th at the tennis world rankings, comes to the US Open with a strong confidence. In recent weeks, the 24-year-old has beaten Sloane Stephens, USA, who just won the US Open 2017, Barbora Strycova, Czech semi-finalist in Wimbledon in July and Johanna Konta, the British who went to the semi-finals on Paris gravel in June.

- There are many parts of my game that I have made great progress in, says Peterson.

In addition, the Swede was not far from beating the world coach Karolina Pliskova, Czech Republic, in the third round in Cincinnati just over a week ago. The Swede had break balls up to 6–5 in the first set and also led by 4–3 in the second before losing 5–7, 4–6.

- Once I had my chances, I was a little passive, says Peterson, who learned to look ahead.

- Now I don't dig down but go on.

One of the reasons why things went so well for Peterson is new coach Thomas Högstedt. They worked together for a few weeks after Wimbledon and have also collaborated before the US Open.

- He is an incredibly experienced and driven coach who has worked extensively with top players at both WTA and ATP, and there is much to be gained there. It has been very educational for me and it has worked well so far, says Peterson.

Högstedt has trained world stars such as Caroline Wozniacki, Na Li, Eugenie Bouchard and now most recently Maria Sarapova.

- He is a hard working coach and he has shown me how the best players work and think. Among other things, we have looked at how I can use my game to beat the best.

Whether there will be any further cooperation after the US Open remains to be seen.

- We take it after the US Open, nothing is nailed, says Peterson.

- And Dad is still next door and is the main responsible.

One thing that promises good for this year's last grand slam tournament is the foundation. Peterson likes the tracks in the US.

- They fit my game quite well. The ball bounces high.

The American audience is another plus.

- It's always a great atmosphere, I'm very happy with everyone who comes and supports me every day. I generally like very well, says Peterson, who last year went to the third round of the US Open.

Peterson meets Puerto Rican Monica Puig, ranked 44th in the world, in the first round on Monday. Peterson won their only previous meeting in Acapulco 2018 by clear 6–1, 6–4. At victory again, probably Dayana Yastremska, Ukraine, seeded 32nd.

Johanna Larsson, ranked 172nd, meets American Lauren Davies and should she win the match awaits world-wide Ashleigh Barty, Australia. But 31-year-old Larsson's big hopes are in the doubles, where she and Belgian partner Kirsten Flipkens, whom she knocked out in the singles qualifying final, are seeded twelve.

The Swedes in all glory, the hottest ladies match on day one in the US Open, however, is the giant meeting between Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova.