Jessica Pegula Upsets Aryna Sabalenka in Wuhan, Advances to All-American Final

Jessica Pegula overcame a one-set deficit to defeat Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(2) today in Wuhan, China, ending Sabalenka’s 20-match winning streak and securing a spot in the Dongfeng · Voyah Wuhan Open final.

The match, lasting 2 hours and 19 minutes, saw Pegula rally from 5-2 down in the deciding set, ultimately prevailing in a tiebreak. This victory is particularly significant as it marks Pegula’s first career win against a Top 10 opponent after losing the first set – she had previously been 0-29 in such matches. Pegula has been on a strong run of form during the Asian swing, winning six of her last seven three-setters.

“I think the fact that I’ve had outrageous matches the last three weeks has actually really helped me, because I’ve had match points, I’ve saved match points, I’ve been up, I’ve dropped leads,” Pegula said after the match. “Pretty much every single scenario I’ve been through multiple times before tonight.” The final will be an all-American affair, as Pegula will face No. 3 seed Coco Gauff, continuing a trend of increased success for American players on the Hologic WTA Tour.

Pegula will be seeking her fourth career WTA 1000 title and first of the season, while Gauff will aim to add to her growing list of accomplishments. The upcoming final will be the fourth all-American final on tour this year – the most since 2003. “There’s no secrets [between us],” Pegula commented, referring to her history as a doubles partner with Gauff. Tournament officials confirmed the final is scheduled for Sunday.