Stunning Jessica Pegula overpowers Sofia Kenin for first clay-court title at Charleston Open
WTA
Jessica Pegula claimed her first clay-court title with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Sofia Kenin at the Charleston Open. The world No. 4 got off to a strong start, but in the second set, Kenin took a commanding lead. However, Pegula bounced back, winning five consecutive games to close out the match in straight sets.
The 2024 US Open runner-up earned another 500 points for the WTA Ranking and returned to her career-high ranking as world No. 3, surpassing 21-year-old Coco Gauff to become the new American No. 1.
Jessica Pegula overcomes early break to win first set
It was a particularly windy day in Charleston, and Pegula capitalized on a tough opening service game from Kenin to break and take a 2-0 lead. Despite having five break chances in the next two games, Kenin managed to recover, breaking Pegula back to lead 3-2.
However, Pegula hit a strong run, winning 13 of the next 16 points, securing another couple of breaks, and taking the set 6-3 after four consecutive games in her favor. Kenin struggled, winning only 50% of first serve points and 20% on second serves. On the other hand, Pegula impressed by winning 85% of first serve points and 30% of second serve points.
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Pegula's solid performance showcased her excellent form, and she headed into the second set with better efficiency both on serve and returning, winning 60% of the total points played.
Pegula stages stunning comeback to win
Pegula had a shaky start in the second set against an aggressive baseline game from Kenin, who broke first. One of Pegula's strengths is her backhand, but this time she was outmatched by Kenin's aggressive play, as the former Australian Open finalist consistently hit winners during cross-court exchanges, while Pegula relied on dropshots to surprise her opponent. However, Pegula's strategy paid off, as she managed to break back and equalize at 1-1.
From there, Kenin took full control of the set, with Pegula making unforced errors while Kenin continued to hit winners from the baseline. The 26-year-old remained focused on her game plan, winning 18 of the next 21 points – including two consecutive breaks – to lead 5-1.
However, the 2024 US Open champion wouldn’t let the set slip away easily. Pegula saved three set points on Kenin's serve to hold her own service game (after having been broken three times) and then broke back to bring the score to 5-4. A double fault from Kenin gave Pegula a break chance, which she took to level the score at 5-5.
In the final moments, Kenin seemed demoralized by Pegula's comeback, and Pegula closed out the match with six consecutive games in her favor. The 6-3, 7-5 scoreline gave Pegula her first clay-court title and propelled her to No. 3 in the world, making her the new American No. 1.
Match Statistics Pegula vs. Kenin
| Pegula | VS | Kenin |
|---|---|---|
| Service | ||
| 2 | Aces | 1 |
| 2 | Double Faults | 5 |
| 61% (34/56) | 1st Service Percentage | 66% (49/74) |
| 59% (20/34) | 1st Service Points Won | 51% (25/49) |
| 43% (10/23) | 2nd Service Points Won | 36% (9/25) |
| 50% (4/8) | Break Points Saved | 63% (10/16) |
| 56% (5/9) | Service Games | 40% (4/10) |
| Return | ||
| 49% (24/49) | 1st Return Points Won | 41% (14/34) |
| 64% (16/25) | 2nd Return Points Won | 57% (13/23) |
| - | Break Points Saved | - |
| Other | ||
| 1h 22m | Match Duration | 1h 22m |
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