Jessica Pegula Shocks World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka, Advances to WTA Finals Semifinals
Jessica Pegula stuns world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka, securing a spot in the WTA Finals semifinals with a dominant straight-set victory
Jessica Pegula secured her spot in the semifinals of the WTA Finals by defeating the world's number one player, Aryna Sabalenka, in straight sets. Despite having only won one out of five previous encounters, Pegula emerged triumphant in a thrilling match held in Cancun, Mexico. With great determination, she closed out the game with a 6-4 6-3 victory, clinching the win on her seventh match point.
Pegula maintains her unbeaten record in the Finals after defeating Elena Rybakina in straight sets on Sunday. Rybakina will now face Sabalenka on Thursday to determine the second qualifier from the group.
In the other match on Tuesday, Rybakina secured a victory over Maria Sakkari with a score of 6-0, 6-7, 7-6. As a result, Sakkari has been eliminated from the tournament after suffering her second consecutive loss.
Pegula is currently on a winning streak of five matches against top five opponents. Following her victory on Tuesday, she expressed feeling "increased confidence" and being "more at ease" while playing against the world's finest players.
According to the WTA, she stated, "It doesn't seem like such a significant accomplishment. Last year, when I achieved a top five ranking, I may have slightly intimidated myself - not to a great extent. You have a few thoughts lingering in your mind: Do I truly belong at this level?"
"I used to excel at surpassing those below me, but now the challenge lies in outperforming those who are ahead of you. I believe you have placed a greater significance on this aspect, but this year, I haven't given it much thought.
"
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus plays American Jessica Pegula of United States during day 3 of the WTA Finals in Cancun, Mexico.
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Pegula's increased confidence in recent matches has resulted in a greater number of significant victories. This improvement is evident in her current record, which includes three wins against top-ranked players in 2023 and a record of 7-4 against opponents in the top 10, as reported by the WTA.
According to Opta, this marks only the fourth instance since 2000 where a player on the WTA Tour has achieved three victories over world No. 1s in a single season.
Having already secured her spot in the next round, Pegula will be playing against Sakkari in her last group match on Thursday.
