Jessica Pegula is playing at the WTA Finals for the second straight year. She had won her opening match against Elena Rybakina a few days ago. Pegula then faced Aryna Sabalenka in her second group stage match. She was on a four-match losing streak against Sabalenka and did not win a set in their last four meetings. But this time, Pegula secured her first straight-set victory over the Belarusian.
Pegula had last won a match against Sabalenka in 2020 at Cincinnati. Sabalenka was expected to win the battle at Cancun this time, given her recent form. The American’s groundstrokes troubled Sabalenka as she could not match her speed. Pegula said, “I hit really hard. People don’t seem to think I hit hard. like commentators. Like seriously.” She mentioned her playing style makes people think otherwise.
Jessica Pegula on hitting harder than Aryna Sabalenka tonight at WTA Finals:
“I hit really hard. People don’t seem to think I hit hard.. like commentators. Like seriously 😂. Everyone is like ‘I don’t know why they say that.’ I think it’s because it looks like I’m not. I hit… pic.twitter.com/FODTuZ2jbV
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 1, 2023
Pegula mentioned that she does not grunt much like other players. Her shotmaking style does not give out the impression of heavy groundstrokes. The world No.5 has won her first two matches at the WTA Finals and has topped her group.
Jessica Pegula qualifies for semifinals for the first time at WTA Finals
Pegula became the first player to advance to the semifinals at Cancun. She debuted at the event last year and lost all three group matches. But this time, Pegula has not dropped a set in her first two matches. She has won 57 matches this season and is only behind Iga Swiatek, who has 64 victories. Pegula will play her final group match against Maria Sakkari.
The 29-year-old has played nine matches against Sakkari. The Greek player leads their head-to-head with five victories. This season, Pegula has two wins in three matches against Sakkari. Last year, it was the world No.9 who defeated Pegula in the group stages of the WTA Finals. This time, the former world No.3 has the upper hand and will try to enter the last four undefeated.
Jessica Pegula is a #WTAFinals Semifinalist for the first time 💪 pic.twitter.com/ttVo3Xsw7a
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) November 1, 2023
Pegula is also playing doubles at the WTA Finals for the second successive year. She is playing alongside Coco Gauff; the pair had lost all the matches at the group stage last year. This season, they have lost the first match. Meanwhile, there are chances of Pegula and Gauff playing against each other in the semifinals. The pair looks in good form and carries American hopes at Cancun.