Jessica Pegula kept her WTA Finals campaign alive with a 6-2, 7-5 victory over Marta Kostyuk, securing an important straight-sets win in their Group 1 encounter. A costly double fault from the Ukrainian proved decisive in the closing stages, allowing the American to break at 5-5 in the second set before serving out the match.
The result had significant consequences for the group standings. Kostyuk entered the contest knowing that another defeat without winning a set would end her tournament, having already lost her opening match against Linda Noskova.
The Ukrainian had only joined the field as a late replacement for Elena Rybakina, leaving her with little time to prepare for her first appearance at the season-ending championships.
Pegula, meanwhile, needed a victory after losing her opening match to Coco Gauff. Although the American was largely in control during the first set, Kostyuk made the second considerably more competitive and had opportunities to take the match further. However, Pegula stayed composed when the decisive moment arrived, securing the win that keeps her qualification hopes alive.
Pegula dominates opening set as Kostyuk struggles
Pegula established control from the opening exchanges, breaking Kostyuk's serve early and consolidating the advantage to move 2-0 ahead. The Ukrainian struggled to find consistency, making too many unforced errors and allowing her opponent to dictate the baseline exchanges. Pegula continued to apply pressure on return, preventing Kostyuk from building any sustained momentum.
The American secured another break to move 5-2 ahead before comfortably serving out the opening set after just 29 minutes. Kostyuk had few opportunities to challenge her opponent, who was particularly effective behind her own delivery.
The statistics reflected Pegula's superiority. She won 76% of points behind her serve compared to Kostyuk's 48%, and did not face a single break point throughout the opening set. The Ukrainian needed a significant improvement to get back into the contest, and she initially managed to make the second set much closer.
In control 👌 @JPegula is a set up and pushing to close it out against Kostyuk! #FAGEWTAFinals | #TheUltimateStage https://t.co/L1o8wBJaTe
— wta (@WTA) November 10, 2026
Pegula withstands Kostyuk fightback to seal elimination
Pegula carried her momentum into the second set, breaking Kostyuk in the opening game to move ahead. However, the American was unable to consolidate the advantage, allowing the Ukrainian to break back and bring the score level. The two continued to exchange breaks during a scrappy opening stretch, with neither player able to establish control.
Kostyuk eventually found some stability on serve to take a 3-2 lead, putting Pegula under pressure for the first time in the match. The American responded by holding her next service game to level the score, and both players then managed to protect their serve as the set moved towards its decisive stages.
At 5-5, Pegula found the opportunity she needed. Kostyuk initially fought back from 0-40, saving three consecutive break points to keep the game alive. However, a double fault on the fourth gave Pegula the breakthrough, handing the American the chance to serve for the match.
Pegula made no mistake, holding serve to close out the second set 7-5 and complete the straight-sets victory. The late break proved decisive after Kostyuk had managed to stay alongside her opponent for much of the set.
The defeat ends Kostyuk's WTA Finals campaign, with the Ukrainian becoming the first player eliminated from Group 1 after suffering back-to-back straight-sets losses. Having entered the tournament as a late replacement for Rybakina, she was unable to secure a victory in either of her two appearances.
Pegula, meanwhile, keeps her semifinal hopes alive and will face Noskova in her final group match. The American will also have to monitor the outcome of the other Group 1 encounter between Gauff and Noskova, as that result will shape the standings and qualification scenarios ahead of the final round. Her victory gives her another opportunity to reach the last four, but the outcome of the remaining matches will be crucial.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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