Pegula Triumphs Over Alexandrova to Reach Her First Charleston Open Final
Pegula battles past Alexandrova 6-2, 2-6, 7-5
Hailing from Buffalo, NY, Jessica Pegula, the number 1 seed, faced off against Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova in a thrilling contest for a coveted spot in the final of the Credit One Charleston Open. This anticipated clash marked their first time both competing for a final at the WTA 500 clay court tournament.
For Pegula, this semifinal match was her third consecutive appearance in the quarterfinals at Charleston, having previously faced tough opponents in 2023 and 2024 (losing to Bencic and Kasatkina respectively). Currently ranked 4 in the world, Pegula had previously bested Alexandrova during their solitary clay court meeting in Rome back in 2021.
Alexandrova entered the match brimming with confidence after a straight sets victory against world number 8 and reigning Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng in the quarterfinals. This was her second semifinal appearance at Charleston, having previously made it to this stage in 2022 (where she lost to Bencic). With a head-to-head record of 2-1 against Pegula, both matches had gone the distance on hard courts.
Choosing to serve first after winning the toss, Alexandrova faced a rocky start as she quickly found herself at double break point, eventually losing her serve. Meanwhile, Pegula, despite some pressure, managed to hold and consolidate her initial break.
As Alexandrova showcased her powerful forehands, she made critical errors, including a double fault and an erroneous slice backhand that ultimately cost her. Pegula struggled with her serve as well, missing three consecutive first serves but still managed to maintain her lead with several clever plays.
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Display of talent was evident as Alexandrova landed impressive backhand winners to gain some momentum, but continued errors led to her dropping serve again. Pegula, however, stayed steady and ultimately clinched the first set as her opponent faltered under pressure.
In the second set, Alexandrova began with amazing serves, securing two aces to take an early lead, while Pegula matched her with powerful returns. Momentum seemed to shift as Alexandrova found her rhythm, but Pegula fought back, leading to a tense battle filled with both smooth plays and unforced errors.
Each player showcased their fighting spirit, with Alexandrova facing various break points yet managing to hold her serve against the odds. However, as the match progressed, costly mistakes began to mount for both competitors, resulting in unpredictable shifts in momentum.
The decisive third set was electrifying, with Alexandrova stumbling slightly as she dropped serve, followed by Pegula’s impressive comeback play. Nonetheless, both players struggled to find their footing amidst the winds and challenging conditions, leading to a dramatic showdown filled with spectacular rallies and erratic play.
As they exchanged leads, Pegula demonstrated her resilience, saving crucial break points while Alexandrova bit back fiercely, showcasing remarkable shot-making skill. Ultimately, Pegula found herself serving for the match and, after a nail-biting exchange of points, sealed her victory with a spectacular backhand down the line.
This contest was more than just a match; it was a high-stakes battle reminiscent of all that makes tennis exhilarating. Pegula reflected on the challenging conditions, stating, “It was just kind of a crafty match today. The wind really complicated things, and I had to adapt to all those uncomfortable shots and moments.”
Looking ahead to the final, Pegula will need to sharpen her serve. Despite a commendable performance with 56% of first serve points won and an impressive capacity to return serve, she’ll be eager to increase her efficiency to secure the title. Over the course of the match, she saved a remarkable 15 out of 21 break points while converting 7 out of 17.
Her opponent in the final will be fellow American Sofia Kenin, who advanced after Amanda Anisimova retired due to an injury during the first set. Notably, Pegula holds a favorable head-to-head record against Kenin at 3-2, having recently defeated her in straight sets during the 2024 US Open.
