Jessica Pegula stops Shnaider's streak, eyes back-to-back titles at Canadian Open

Jessica Pegula (No. 6) defeated Diana Shnaider (No. 24) and advanced to the final of the WTA 1000 Canadian Open. The American secured the victory 6-4, 6-3, ending the impressive run of the Russian, who had won 15 of her last 16 matches.

Task almost completed for Pegula, who, in a crucial moment of the season, secured her biggest point defense of the week. The American managed to reach the Canadian Open final for the second consecutive year and will aim to defend her title on Monday against Amanda Anisimova.

In the first set, Shnaider secured an early break and quickly went up 2-0. However, Pegula broke back in the next game, leveling the score. The American made a difference with an 83% first serve points won, compared to just 59% for Shnaider, who struggled in Pegula's service games.

The World No. 6 secured another break in the 7th game, which was enough to take the set. After 38 minutes, Pegula led 6-4, converting 2 of the 6 break points she had, while Shnaider capitalized on the only break point in her favor during the set.

In the second set, Shnaider maintained her motivation, managing to win a tough service game at the start, but from there, both players played evenly. Both held their serves until 3-3, when the pivotal moment of the match arrived as Pegula secured a break on her second opportunity of the set.

There was no room for further surprises in the match. The 30-year-old Pegula held her final service games and won the match 6-4, 6-4. Pegula has now won 9 consecutive matches at the Canadian Open and is just one step away from successfully defending her 2023 title.

In the final, she will face her compatriot Amanda Anisimova, who has had an incredible journey, defeating four of the top 10 seeds along the way, including Aryna Sabalenka (No. 3), Daria Kasatkina (No. 12), Emma Navarro (No. 15), and Anna Kalinskaya (No. 17).