Pegula did not lose a single set during the group stage of the Finals
Photo: GNP Seguros WTA Finals Cancun
Cancún (USA) – Although she was already qualified for the WTA Finals semifinals and guaranteed first place in her group, Jessica Pegula didn’t let her guard down and played another good game to guarantee 100% success in the first phase in Cancún. Current number 5 in the world, the North American beat the Greek Maria Sakkari, ninth placed, by 6/3 and 6/2 in 1h20 of the match.
Leader in the Bacalar Group in Cancún, Pegula awaits the definition of the Chetumal Group this Friday. The second place will be defined in a direct confrontation between world number 1 Aryna Sabalenka and fourth place Elena Rybakina. Even though Sabalenka leads the record 4-2, Rybakina won the most recent duel in Beijing.
In the other bracket, Iga Swiatek has two wins and is very close to the semis, but the other three players in the group, Ons Jabeur, Coco Gauff and Marketa Vondrousova still have chances of qualifying. Jabeur has a chance to take first place in the Polish group’s group in this Friday’s round.
On another very windy day on the court, Pegula once again counted on her regularity in deep rallies, while the always aggressive Sakkari was lost in unforced errors.
The Greek, who came up empty in the group stage, had already said before the tournament that she would have difficulty serving on this court, committed eight double faults and ended up suffering seven breaks in the match, four in the first set and three in the second.
“I tried to move well and play smart, using the wind. And not trying to hit the ball harder when I was frustrated,” said Pegula in the on-court interview. She made just 7 winners compared to Sakkari’s 12, but made 18 unforced errors compared to her rival’s 35.
