Jessica Pegula after beating Samsonova: “Congrats to Liudmila. I think everyone needs to give her a round of applause bc she’s played like 5 matches in 3 days.” Nice acknowledgement from Jess. ❤️
(VIDEO) "It sucks when you feel like you’re not on a really fair playing ground": Pegula joins Samsonova in lamenting WTA scheduling in Montreal
WTAMonday, 14 August 2023 at 12:27
Jessica Pegula has sympathized with Liudmila Samsonova over scheduling issues at the National Bank Canadian Open (Omnium Banque Nationale) in Montreal, saying it's not 'a really fair playing ground.'
American No. 1 Pegula emerged victorious at the WTA 1000 event, defeating her opponent Samsonova in straight sets, 6-1, 6-0.
However, many fans have underlined the advantage Pegula had in terms of rest before the match, after Samsonova's semi-final against Elena Rybakina was postponed to the same day as the final due to rain, concluding just two hours before the Russian had to face Pegula for the title.
Pegula sympathizes over schedule
Despite the delays working in Pegula's favor, she also acknowledged and underlined that it was not a fair way to play. In her on-court interview following her victory, the 29-year-old immediately said that she wished she won on better terms.
"I think everyone needs to give her [Samsonova] a round of applause because she’s played like 5 matches in 3 days," Pegula said of her opponent. This was the second time in a week that Samsonova was forced to play two matches on the same day. She played for nearly five hours on Friday, August 11, knocking out both Belinda Bencic and world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka.
In her post-match press conference, Pegula elaborated, saying:
"I know scheduling wasn’t in her favor. It sucks when you feel like you’re not on a really fair playing ground, especially someone like her who is such a great player."
Samsonova voices frustration over scheduling
After her defeat, Samsonova spoke out against the scheduling decisions made by the WTA.
"It was a tough week for me. So many matches, so many experiences, tough weather. I tried to do my best, but it was not enough today," she said.
"Honestly, I would love to have more time, but they said that it’s not possible," she added, "I didn’t have time to regenerate because I was to the physio room trying to tape all my body, and it takes one hour for this."
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