Player of the day: Pironkova powers past Muguruza

In her first event since 2017, Tsevtana Pironkova has made a impressive splash on Day 4 at the US Open.  The Bulgarian defeated 2019 Australian Open finalist Garbine Muguruza, 7-5 6-3, to reach the third round.

After falling to Caroline Wozniacki in the second round of Wimbledon in 2017, Pironkova left the tour and give birth to her son, Alexander, in 2018. No one expected the former Wimbledon semifinalist to return, but thanks to a rule change, players who rejoin the tour after maternity leave can get a protected ranking.

After getting in on her former ranking of No. 123, she's playing free of expectations and enjoying being back on the court.

"Your priorities have nothing to do with what they did before," Pironkova told press. "Nothing is the same really. Right now I'm just happy to be playing. Having the opportunity for [Alexander] to watch me also makes me really happy."

Joining Serena Williams, Olga Govortsova, Tatjana Maria and Victoria Azarenka in the growing list of mothers on the tour, Pironkova says it comes with challenges but she's optimistic about juggling both tennis and motherhood.

"But if you make a good schedule, if you really have the right motivation, I guess you can combine the two things, motherhood and being a professional tennis player," she said. "It makes a lot of work, but everything takes work."

As to be expected, the 32-year-old is dealing with the aches and pains that come with playing high-level matches after a long layoff. She was set to play at last week's Western & Southern Open, but pulled out due to injury.

"At this point for me the toughest part is the physical condition," she said. "I haven't had a chance to play another tournament before this one."

Fast Facts:

1

The Bulgarian captured her first and only WTA title by fighting her way through qualifying, and winning five main draw matches at Sydney's Premiere-level event in 2014.

4

The age she was introduced to the sport by her father.

'18

The year her baby boy, Alexander was born.

Next up for Pironkova is No. 18 seed Donna Vekic, who she owns a perfect 3-0 record against. The two are set to square off on Saturday.