In a stunning upset at the WTA Finals in Cancun, Jessica Pegula secured her spot in the semi-finals by defeating world number one, Aryna Sabalenka, with a score of 6-4, 6-3. Meanwhile, Elena Rybakina battled to a victory against Maria Sakkari in an evening match, claiming the win with a scoreline of 6-0, 6-7(4-7), 7-6(7-2).
Jessica Pegula, who entered the match with a challenging 1-4 record against the powerful Sabalenka, displayed remarkable composure and an ability to counter Sabalenka’s aggressive serve. Sabalenka, who had voiced concerns about playing in the newly constructed Estadio Paradisus, appeared uneasy throughout the match, committing 29 unforced errors on a sunny day in Cancun.
Despite trailing 5-2 in the first set, Sabalenka mounted a comeback, but Pegula held her ground and secured the set, winning after a tense rally that ended with a backhand error by Sabalenka on set point.
The second set saw Pegula take an early 4-0 lead, but Sabalenka once again rallied, breaking serve to narrow the gap to 5-3. In a marathon final game, Pegula required seven match points to clinch the victory, sealing it when Sabalenka sent a backhand wide.
After the match, Pegula challenged the notion that her game lacks power compared to her opponents. She stated, “I hit hard. People don’t seem to think I hit hard, like commentators. Seriously, I don’t know why they say that. Maybe because it looks like I’m not? I hit flatter, I don’t hit as heavy as maybe as Aryna, but I hit hard.”
Pegula’s consecutive group stage victories guaranteed her a place in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Elena Rybakina overcame a late comeback attempt by Maria Sakkari, securing her first win in the competition. Despite a commanding start, Rybakina had to battle through tiebreakers in the subsequent sets, ultimately prevailing in a hard-fought match that lasted two hours and 26 minutes.
In the upcoming match, Rybakina will face Sabalenka in a showdown to determine the semi-finalist, while Pegula, who has already secured her place in the semi-finals, will take on Sakkari in their final group stage match.
