“Sometimes she can play lights-out tennis”: Jessica Pegula explains why Anisimova keeps making her work for every win
WTAFriday, 21 August 2026 at 06:30
Jessica Pegula survived another difficult battle with Amanda Anisimova in Cincinnati, defeating her fellow American 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(4) to reach the semifinals of the WTA 1000 event. The No. 3 seed was pushed to the limit after surrendering the second set, but held her nerve in a deciding-set tiebreak to maintain her perfect record against one of the Tour's most dangerous ball strikers.
The match followed a familiar pattern between the two Americans. Pegula made the stronger start and claimed the opening set, but Anisimova responded immediately in the second, racing into a 3-0 lead and putting her opponent under sustained pressure. Pegula also required a medical timeout during that period before Anisimova levelled the match and forced a deciding set.
The momentum continued to swing in the third set, with neither player able to establish complete control. Pegula eventually managed to create enough separation to take the match into a deciding tiebreak, where her composure under pressure proved decisive. She won the breaker 7-4 to complete another demanding victory over Anisimova.
The result gives Pegula her seventh semifinal appearance of the season and improves her 2026 record to 44-11. It also continues an extraordinary head-to-head advantage over Anisimova, although the scoreline between them does not fully reflect how competitive many of their meetings have been.
Pegula knew Anisimova would make her survive
Pegula acknowledged after the match that Anisimova's level can make their encounters extremely difficult regardless of their previous results. The 32-year-old had already beaten her compatriot five times, but four of their six meetings had gone the distance, including a three-set victory in Charleston in 2024.
“Amanda is an amazing player, an amazing ball striker," the world No. 3 said. "I know I have a good record against her, but literally every single match is like it was today. So I know I have to try and survive.”
After losing the first set, Anisimova produced the kind of aggressive tennis that has made her one of the most dangerous players on the WTA Tour when she finds her range. “Sometimes she can play lights-out tennis where there's not much you can do, like in the second set,” Pegula added.
Anisimova's second-set surge came after Pegula had looked comfortable early in the match. The 24-year-old took advantage of the momentum shift to move ahead 3-0 before eventually forcing the match into a decider.
Pegula, however, found a way to regain control late in the second set and carried that momentum into the final set. “I think I was able to start getting some momentum at the end of that set and take it into the third and get ahead. It still wasn't enough, but I got there.”
That ability to stay composed through momentum swings has been one of Pegula's defining strengths this season. She is now 16-5 in three-set matches in 2026, while her 44 victories lead the WTA Tour.
Pegula keeps perfect record as Cincinnati run continues
The victory moves Pegula to 6-0 against Anisimova, with three of those victories coming this season. She previously defeated her at the Australian Open and Dubai before completing the Cincinnati sweep.
The American's record is particularly notable because Anisimova has already established herself as a Grand Slam-level threat. She reached the US Open final in 2024 and has previously climbed as high as world No. 3, making Pegula's continued dominance in the matchup increasingly significant.
She will survive 😤@JPegula outlasts fellow American, Anisimova, to reach her 15th career WTA 1000 semifinal!#CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/xQtbTxZghv
— wta (@WTA) August 20, 2026
Cincinnati is also another indication of Pegula's consistency throughout 2026. Her latest victory guarantees another semifinal appearance as she continues to build one of the strongest records on the WTA Tour.
She will now face either Iga Swiatek or Elena Rybakina for a place in the Cincinnati final. The result of that matchup will determine whether Pegula gets another opportunity to add a major title to her season, but her victory over Anisimova has already provided another example of why she remains so difficult to eliminate.
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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