Achieving world number 1 is already a reason for satisfaction, but doing so while securing a place in the semi-finals is even more so. This is the very good operation carried out Tuesday evening by the American Jessica Pegula, who dismissed the Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka (6-4, 6-3) in the group stage of the WTA Masters, in Cancun (Mexico).
Already winner of her first match on Sunday against Elena Rybakina (7-5, 6-2), Pegula therefore ensures a continuation of the tournament before playing her last group stage match. She takes the lead of the “Baccalar” group and is even assured of first place, after the victory in three sets of the Kazakh Elena Rybakina over the Greek Maria Sakkari (6-0, 6-7 [4]7-6 [2]).
Sabalenka with her back to the wall
In great difficulty on his service games (five breaks conceded), Sabalenka, with 33 unforced errors, managed to save six match points before losing. Pegula (5th in the world) had not won against the Belarusian since 2020 and the first of their six confrontations.
Sabalenka, who must defend her place as world No.1 during the tournament against the Polish Iga Swiatek, placed in the other group, will qualify for the semi-finals if she dominates Rybakina on Thursday.
2023-11-01 06:23:39
#Jessica #Pegula #dominates #Aryna #Sabalenka #advances #semifinals #WTA #Masters #Cancun
