Tennis: American Jessica Pegula beats Maria Sakkari to complete unbeaten group stage run

In a commanding display at the WTA Finals in Cancun, American tennis player Jessica Pegula secured her spot in the semi-finals with an impressive victory over Maria Sakkari. Pegula, the tournament’s oldest participant at 29, maintained her unbeaten record in the group stage, defeating Sakkari 6-3, 6-2 on the Mexican outdoor hardcourts. Her assured performance underscored a stark contrast to her winless debut at the WTA Finals the previous year.

As the semi-final picture unfolds, world number one Aryna Sabalenka and fourth-ranked Elena Rybakina find themselves in a weather-disrupted match. Sabalenka currently leads 6-2, 3-5, with Rybakina poised to serve and level the match when play resumes. Pegula’s journey through the group stage was marked by consistency, notably overcoming Greece’s Sakkari with strategic finesse. Making the most of her opponent’s 35 unforced errors, including eight double faults, Pegula showcased her determination, reaching the semi-finals without dropping a set.

Reflecting on the challenging conditions, Pegula acknowledged the difficulty of playing in the windy environment. Despite the adversity, she maintained her focus by playing to the middle of the court and minimizing mistakes. Pegula’s resilience in adverse conditions not only earned her a spot in the semi-finals but also marked a historic achievement as the first American to reach the final four since Sloane Stephens in 2018. With the tournament’s intensity escalating, the pursuit of the prestigious title and the coveted year-end number one ranking adds another layer of intrigue to the WTA Finals in Cancun.