MATCH REPORT | 2024 Miami Open: Ekaterina ALEXANDROVA edges out Jessica PEGULA in thriller and advances to semis

Ekaterina Alexandrova (No. 14) overcame Jessica Pegula (No. 5) with a score of 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, securing a spot in the semifinals of a WTA 1000 tournament for the second time in her career. The Russian improved upon her performance in the 2023 Miami Open, where she reached the quarterfinals, and will now face Danielle Collins.

Alexandrova advanced after comfortably eliminating the world No. 1 Iga Swiatek (6-2, 6-4), while Pegula had defeated the 20th seed Emma Navarro 7-6, 6-3.

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The start of the first set was evenly matched, with both players performing well on serve, but Alexandrova gradually began to lower her first-serve percentage. The Russian held a 3-2 lead, but Pegula initiated a streak of four consecutive games, including two breaks, to claim the set 6-3.

Pegula barely conceded two points on her serve and effectively countered from the return, winning 75% of the points with Alexandrova's second serve. The world No. 16 had a strong start to the second set by securing her first break of the match and then taking a 2-0 lead. Although Pegula recovered one of the breaks, Alexandrova eventually clinched her first set point to force a decider.

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In the third set, both players exchanged consecutive breaks in the fifth and sixth games, but Alexandrova managed to secure a crucial break in the ninth game, which proved to be enough for her to claim the victory 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.

In the semifinals, Alexandrova will face Danielle Collins (No. 53), who secured a significant victory over world No. 27 Caroline Garcia. The American matched her best performance in a WTA 1000 tournament, having previously reached the semifinals of the 2018 Miami Open, and both players will aim to reach their first final in a WTA 1000 event.

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