World No. 1 seed Jessica Pegula showcased resilience by recovering from a second-set setback to secure the Credit One Charleston Open title on Sunday. She defeated fellow American Sofia Kenin with a score of 6-3, 7-5.
The all-American final in Charleston, a first in two decades, initially seemed destined for three sets. Sofia Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open champion, established a commanding 5-1 lead in the second set after losing the first. In the subsequent game, Kenin, formerly ranked No. 4 globally, had three opportunities to clinch the set but couldn`t convert any, and ultimately wouldn`t get another chance. Pegula then surged ahead, winning six games consecutively to claim her second title of the season, adding to her WTA 250 victory in Austin last month.
Earlier in the match, Pegula also demonstrated her comeback ability by winning four games in a row to take the first set, after Kenin had initially overturned a 0-2 start to lead 3-2.
`I just realized how tired I was,` Pegula admitted to Tennis Channel in a post-match interview. `She elevated her game, and there were a couple of games where I couldn`t capitalize on opportunities to break or hold serve. The conditions were incredibly windy and challenging. Losing focus for even a moment or stopping footwork could drastically change the game`s momentum. It was equally tough for both of us.`
`In the second set, my focus was simply on holding serve and building momentum for a potential third set, as trailing in that situation never feels advantageous,` she explained. `However, I knew I had the capability to break her serve. To be honest, I didn`t anticipate breaking her twice, but fortunately, I managed to play some strong tennis.`
Pegula`s recent form has been exceptional, winning 17 of her last 19 matches. With five wins this week, she now leads the Hologic WTA Tour with 25 victories for the season. She is set to overtake Coco Gauff as the top-ranked American player and reach a career-high World No. 3 ranking on Monday.
More updates to follow…
