Jessica Pegula achieved a commanding victory over US Open champion and doubles partner Coco Gauff, securing her spot in the final of the season-ending WTA Finals in Mexico. Pegula dominated with a 6-2 6-1 win, showcasing her skills in challenging wet and windy conditions in Cancun.
The semi-final between Igi Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka was postponed due to rain and will now take place on Sunday. Swiatek currently leads 2-1 in the match, with the final rescheduled for Monday.
There is additional significance to the Swiatek-Sabalenka match, as Poland’s Swiatek has a chance to surpass Sabalenka and claim the top spot in the women’s rankings if she wins the match and the event. However, Sabalenka will retain her world number one ranking if she reaches the final.
Jessica Pegula, ranked number five in the world, capitalized on six of her ten break point opportunities and only lost serve once against the 19-year-old Gauff, who currently sits at third in the women’s rankings.
Following her victory, Pegula expressed her excitement, stating, “It’s probably my biggest final ever. It’s going to give me a lot of confidence going into next year.”
The second set was interrupted twice by rain, but Pegula remained in control throughout the match against Gauff, who struggled with 25 unforced errors.
Pegula remarked, “I executed my game plan really well, especially in the windy conditions. I was focused on not getting frustrated with my serve, returns, or any challenging points we encountered, and instead focused on keeping my feet moving.”
