Jessica PEGULA’s persistence pays off, advancing past Emma NAVARRO in Miami Open

Jessica Pegula (No. 5) defeated her compatriot Emma Navarro (No. 20) by 7-6, 6-3 and advanced to the quarterfinals of the Miami Open. The American became the first North American tennis player to reach the quarterfinals of the Miami Open since Serena Williams between 2012 and 2015.

In the first set, Navarro took a significant lead thanks to a break in the fourth game and was ahead 4-1. The 22-year-old was better in the key points, saved the two break points against her, and secured the break on her first chance. However, she couldn't sustain the level against Pegula, who won three consecutive games to equalize.

Navarro took a break that put her ahead 6-5 and gave her the opportunity to serve for the set, but a single break opportunity for Pegula was enough to take it to the tie-break. In the decisive moment, Pegula showed her prowess and comfortably won the tie-break 7-6(1).

Pegula's strong comeback didn't diminish Navarro's inspiration, who started the second set by putting pressure on her opponent in the return and comfortably winning her service games. Pegula saved six break points before taking a break in the sixth game and then taking the lead 5-2. Although Navarro fought to stay in the match, ultimately her compatriot secured a good victory by 7-6(1), 6-3.

Pegula's consistency surpassed Navarro's good shots, who had a great performance but couldn't match the world No. 5. In the quarterfinals, Pegula will face the winner of the match between Iga Swiatek (No. 1) and Ekaterina Alexandrova (No. 14).