American tennis star Jessica Pegula has looked very promising in this hardcourt season so far. She made a deep run in Washington, reaching the semifinal, before losing to Maria Sakkari. Pegula has kept up that momentum in Montreal too. The American defeated Iga Swiatek in a thrilling three-set semifinal clash en route to the final.
Jessica had made it to the semifinal at the Canadian Open last year too, but she did herself one better this time. This victory was also made special by the fact that she defeated World Number One Iga Swiatek.
After the match, Jessica addressed a moment that went viral last year. Swiatek had defeated Jessica Pegula in the US Open last year, following which the American was seen drinking beer at the press conference. At the time, she said it helped her deal with the loss.
Remembering this epic Jessica Pegula moment when she cracked open a beer after her loss to Iga Swiatek at the US Open 😂
“It does help ease the loss”
11 months later & she gets the win.
Someone get this lady a victory beer🍻
pic.twitter.com/wLnAv2wj1w— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 12, 2023
A callback to the viral moment, Jessica was asked if she would crack open a beer this time. She responded that she would probably have a drink after the tournament. “Maybe I’ll allow myself after the tournament to have a beer,” said Pegula (via Daily Express).
Jessica had to fight hard for this victory over Iga. The wind too, proved to be a challenge for Pegula but she held on. So that victory beer is definitely earned.
Match summary: Jessica Pegula vs Iga Swiatek at Canadian Open 2023
The semifinal clash between Jessica Pegula and Iga Swiatek lasted 2 and a half hours. Pegula eventually got the better of the Pole, defeating her 6-2, 6-7 (4), 6-4 in a three-set thriller.
After the match, Pegula gave Iga her due. She acknowledged how hard Swiatek made her work for her victory. “She made me earn it,” said Pegula.
Jessica Pegula on beating Iga Swiatek in Montreal:
“Oh gosh. It feels great. No better way to earn it, right? It was tough match. I felt like I was in control. But as the world #1 does & a champion, she played some really great tennis.. she made me earn it.”
Respect. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/woahtKmnML
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 12, 2023
They both struggled to hold the serve, with Iga breaking Jessica eight times in the match. Pegula played aggressively to push Swiatek to her limits. She had a chance to win the match in the second set when she was up 5-4, but Iga clawed her way back. Swiatek broke Pegula’s serve and pushed the match into a decider.
Jessica became the second American player to knock out the world number one. The other player to do it was Tommy Paul, who eliminated Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinal.
Sneaky 🤫@JPegula | #NBO23 pic.twitter.com/Kf3oOS3lm4
— wta (@WTA) August 12, 2023
Pegula who recently withdrew from her doubles match, has looked in great touch. The other semifinal clash between Elena Rybakina and Liudmila Samsonova was postponed due to rain. Pegula will take on the winner of the second semifinal next.