Jessica Pegula (No. 5)
defeated Victoria Azarenka (No. 26) by 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(7) and advanced to the
semifinals of the Charleston Open for the second consecutive year, when she
fell in the semifinals against defending champion Belinda Bencic.
The first set tilted towards
the American, who was consistent on the return, winning 47% of the 1st return
points and 42% of the 2nd serve points. The first break came in favor of Pegula
in the fifth game, but Vichka quickly returned it to level 3-3.
Despite the effort of the
Belarusian, the local player secured her second consecutive break, an advantage
that was enough to close the set 6-4 in 44 minutes of play. Pegula's confidence
in her service turns was key, with 69% of first serves in, winning 68% of them.
Pegula's superiority remained
at the beginning of the second set, as she took the first break in the third
game and then saved a couple of break points against her to lead 3-1.
Everything seemed on track for the American, but the former world No. 1, as
usual, didn't stop fighting and began to complicate her opponent.
Jessica Pegula at 2024 Miami Open
Azarenka remained secure on
serve and capitalized on Pegula's errors to win five consecutive games, taking
2 out of 3 break opportunities and saving 3 break points against her.
Everything was decided in the
third set, where both struggled with their serves, and both took two
consecutive breaks, maintaining equality at 2-2. When the score was 5-4 in
favor of Pegula with Azarenka serving, the Belarusian had to save four match
points to stay in the match, and ultimately, everything went to the tie-break.
This time it was Pegula who saved another four match points in a dramatic finale and ended up clinching the match 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(7).
In the semifinals, her
opponent will be the 4th seed Daria Kasatkina (No. 11), champion in 2017, who
is getting closer to the top-10. The Russian comes after defeating Romanian
Jaqueline Cristian (No. 83) by 6-7(4), 6-2, 6-3.
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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