"I feel like she has a new perspective": Pegula speaks highly of Svitolina ahead of DC Open clash as Ukrainian's stunning return continues

America’s Jessica Pegula has spoken highly of Ukraine’s tennis star Elina Svitolina ahead of their Citi DC Open quarterfinals tie.

Both players are set to face off in a feisty clash on Friday after cementing their places in the last-eight of the competition.

While talking about her next round’s rival, Pegula stated that she is expecting a tougher match against a player who is now looking at things from a different perspective.

“It’s gonna be a different match probably than the previous times I have played her,” said Pegula. “I can just tell from watching her matches, yeah, I feel like she has a new perspective. So many things going on in her life.”

“She’s kind of come back and reset really nicely. She’s been competing really, really well and playing, like, very fearless. It’s definitely going to be, I think, different. It’s going to be a tough match. She’s been playing at a high level, and I feel like she hasn’t really missed a beat much coming back.”

Pegula defeated fellow American Peyton Stearns in straight sets in the round of 16 fixture with a score of 6-3, 6-4.

On the other hand, Svitolina defeated Russia’s Daria Kasatkina in straight sets as well with a score of 6-2, 6-2 to qualify for the quarterfinals.