Montreal, August 13, 2023 – Jessica Pegula, the American fourth seed, delivered a resounding message to her U.S. Open rivals by claiming a decisive victory in the Canadian Open final. Pegula’s stellar performance culminated in a commanding 6-1, 6-0 win over Liudmila Samsonova, securing her first title of the season.
From the outset, Pegula showcased exceptional tennis, displaying remarkable precision and form. The championship match unfolded under unique circumstances, as Samsonova was compelled to take the court just two hours after an intense semi-final victory over third seed Elena Rybakina, which had been delayed due to rain.
Reflecting on the situation, Pegula expressed empathy, stating, “It’s tough, it sucks, I feel bad that we weren’t able to play on a more fair playing ground.” Despite the less than ideal scheduling, Pegula’s triumph marked her second WTA 1000 title, testament to her unwavering prowess.
Having already secured wins against formidable opponents like Coco Gauff and world number one Iga Swiatek en route to the final, Pegula entered the match with a clear advantage in terms of rest and preparation. This disparity was palpable as Pegula dominated the contest from the outset.
Remarkably, Pegula managed to win an astounding 100% of her first-serve points, while also breaking Samsonova five times and not once facing a break point. The match concluded in just 49 minutes, underscoring Pegula’s undeniable control.
The American player’s strategic play yielded a double break early on, allowing her to secure the first set with ease. In the second set, Pegula faced minimal resistance from Samsonova, ultimately securing the one-sided victory.
Acknowledging her opponent’s impressive journey to the final, Pegula spoke highly of Samsonova’s triumphs over top-ranked players. “To me, she should be a top-10 player, hopefully she gets there and she’s had great results,” Pegula commented. She praised Samsonova’s achievements, including wins against top contenders and Grand Slam champions.
In closing, Pegula offered insight into the unfortunate scheduling circumstances, noting, “I feel bad that it wasn’t the way it should have been but I guess that’s just the way it goes sometimes.” Despite the challenges, Pegula’s victory stood as a testament to her skill and determination, setting the stage for an exciting U.S. Open competition.
