Jessica Pegula's commanding performance against over Cristina Bucsa sends her to Toray Pan Pacific Open Quarterfinals

Jessica Pegula swiftly defeated Cristina Bucsa 6-1, 6-2 to advance to the quarterfinals of the WTA 500 Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, Japan.

After a three-week absence from the WTA Tour, Pegula, currently ranked 4th in the world, made her tournament debut following her quarterfinal loss to Madison Keys (6-1, 6-3) at the US Open.

The American, seeded second in the tournament, received a bye in the first round, making her second-round appearance against Spanish player Bucsa, ranked 79th. Bucsa had secured victory in the first round against a local qualifier, Rina Saigo.

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Interestingly, this marked the second encounter between Bucsa and the world No. 4 in just three months, with Pegula previously triumphing at Wimbledon in the second round (6-1, 6-4).

From the outset, Pegula dominated the match, swiftly securing the first five games in a mere 23 minutes, including two breaks of serve. Despite the lopsided score, Bucsa exhibited solid defense and even had break points in her favor, but Pegula proved more decisive in crucial moments.

Bucsa managed to hold a service game to love, but Pegula remained unyielding on her own serve, ultimately claiming the first set 6-1. The second set commenced unfavorably for the Spanish player, as she lost her serve in the opening game. Pegula then consolidated her advantage with her service to take a 2-0 lead.

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Although Bucsa was able to hold her serve, Pegula, asserting her favorite status, maintained her service prowess and secured another break in the fifth game. Ultimately, the world No. 4 clinched the match on her serve, closing out the contest with a score of 6-1, 6-2.

Despite Pegula's first-serve percentage of concern at 42%, Bucsa was unable to capitalize on it. The American won 86% of points with her first serve and 59% with her second serve, in addition to saving the only two break points she faced.

Pegula returns to the path of victory and awaits the winner of the match between Greece's Despina Papamichail (ranked 220th) and the 6th seed, Daria Kasatkina (ranked 13th), in the quarterfinals.