Jessica Pegula stunned by compatriot Townsend in Rome

Jessica Pegula is out of the Rome Open as she was beaten in a very competitive match by compatriot Taylor Townsend in three sets 6-2 3-6 6-3.

The American hasn't been playing that well lately getting beaten early in Madrid and now Rome. Townsend is a very solid player who can play good tennis but this is not a win she's getting consistent. It was a good match from her as she jumped out early taking the first set 6-2 which was rather impressive.

That confidence kept her going through the match though Pegula pulled back the second set with some impressive play of her own. The big difference for Pegula is her serve, because it worked a bit better in the second set. It allowed her to set up points more easily which translated to easier points.

She didn't face a single break point in that second set. The final one saw her serve decently but not overly confident. She still had struggles against Townsend in rallies and ultimately wasn't able to save the break points she faced. Another problem was the serving clinic which her opponent produced hitting 3 aces and losing only 3 points on the serve. Pegula had no break points and that proved crucial.