Kudermetova secures second career title with exceptional performance against Jessica Pegula at Pan Pacific Open
WTA
Veronika
Kudermetova secured her second title by defeating Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-1 in
the final of the WTA 500 Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, Japan.
Pegula had
previously played in seven finals, winning three titles and finishing as the
runner-up four times, including her recent victory at the Canadian Open less
than two months ago. She arrived at her first tournament since the US Open in
excellent form, winning all her matches in straight sets.
The second
seed, Pegula, lost only nine games in the six sets she played, with impressive
victories over Cristina Bucsa (79th), Daria Kasatkina (13th), and Maria Sakkari
(6th).
Her
opponent, Veronika Kudermetova (19th), put behind her inconsistent performances
during the hardcourt swing of the US Open series. The eighth-seeded Russian
eliminated the world No. 2 Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals and faced a tough
challenge against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova to reach the seventh final of her
career, with only one previous title to her name.
Kudermetova
had previously reached seven finals but had only won one title, the WTA 500
Charleston Open in 2021.
From the
beginning of the match, Kudermetova took control of the proceedings, securing a
break in the second game and quickly taking a 3-0 lead. However, Pegula
improved during the exchanges and won the next three games to level the score.
While
Kudermetova held her service games without too much trouble, she also applied
pressure during Pegula's service games. Kudermetova took a break when it seemed
like the set would go into a tie-break, advancing 7-5.
The errors
that cost Pegula dearly in the first set seemed to affect her performance in
the second set, where Kudermetova was significantly more aggressive. She took
an early break to lead 3-0 and extended her advantage in the sixth game with a
second break, eventually closing out the match with her serve at 6-1.
This is
Kudermetova's second career title and will elevate her to world No. 16. As for
Pegula, the result will not lead to any changes in her ranking, and she remains
as the world No. 4, only behind Sabalenka, Swiatek, and Gauff.
Both
players will now head to Shanghai for the final WTA 1000 event of the year,
with Kudermetova facing the winner of the match between Lesia Tsurenko and Lin
Zhu, while Pegula will take on Anna Blinkova.
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.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.
mandoist08-11-2026 - Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
