The Canadian Open has come to an end, with numerous stories popping up during the event. More than the matches, the off-court activities have caught the attention of the fans. The event did come up with interesting videos from the players, but there have also been negative headlines regarding the event organizers. The women’s final schedule between Jessica Pegula and Liudmila Samsonova was not appreciated by the fans.
It started with the second semifinal match. Elena Rybakina was set to face Liudmila Samsonova in the second semifinal, which was supposed to take place on the twelfth of August. The rain caused the match to be suspended. Jessica Pegula completed her semifinal match on time.
After Jessica won the final, she went on to say, “It sucks. I feel bad that we weren’t able to play on a more fair playing ground…I feel bad it wasn’t the way it should have been.” Pegula admitted that the schedule put her opponent in the backfoot.
Jessica Pegula after beating Samsonova:
“Congrats to Liudmila. I think everyone needs to give her a round of applause bc she’s played like 5 matches in 3 days.”
Nice acknowledgement from Jess. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/wDIZoSXRy7
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 13, 2023
That was nice of Jessica to acknowledge Liudmila and schedule.
— OrvilleLloydDouglas🇨🇦🏳️🌈 (@OrvilleLloyd) August 14, 2023
Jessie is such a CLASS ACT! The scheduling was awkward to say the least.NOT Jessie’s FAULT!
If the match was put off for today, wouldn’t Jessie still have an advantage? actually, a 2 day rest advantage!Hopefully, scheduling will be re-examined to see what changes should be made.— Seunarine ingrid (@8907_IAS) August 14, 2023
Although many fans hailed Jessica for her confession, some were skeptical about what Samsonova had to go through-
You set Samsonova up for this
Shame on you but you don’t have it so 🤷🏻♂️— rafa’s water bottle (@backinpoland) August 13, 2023
Samsonova finally won her match against Rybakina but she could only rest for a few hours as she prepared to play again in the final on the thirteenth of August. Her exhaustion was clearly visible to Pegula, who realized that the schedule had badly affected Samsonova.
Liudmila Samsonova keeps spirits high after the loss against Jessica Pegula
Samsonova had to go through a lot while playing at the Canadian Open. The Russian had to play two crucial matches at the event without resting. Samsonova played a three-hour match against Aryna Sabalenka in the quarterfinals. She then played a three-setter against Rybakina, which lasted for an hour and forty minutes.
The 24-year-old could not move much in the final. On being asked about the schedule, Samsonova said, ” Of course, it’s strange that the people doesn’t care so much about us, you know, because if you know that you must I think, this is my opinion, to make a schedule where it’s possible to play because we already made two matches in one day.” Samsonova showed love to the crowd for supporting her in the match.
Liudmila Samsonova after losing to Pegula:
“The fans this week, you were unbelievable. You make me crazy, seriously” 🥹
This young woman is so sweet. She’s achieved more than a lot of people ever do, but the media ignores her
Show her some love. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/OVaAx9oWG9
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 13, 2023
Even though she is a young player on tour, Samsonova showed high emotional maturity. She did not become furious or complain after the match. Samsonova was thankful to everyone who came to the stadium. The world No. 12 lost the final but walked away peacefully, knowing that the match could have ended differently.