BEIJING: Fifth-seeded Jessica Pegula advanced to the semifinals of the China Open on Friday after fighting back to defeat fellow American Emma Navarro in a three-set quarter-final marathon. Pegula’s 6-7 (2), 6-2, 6-1 victory makes her the third American to secure a spot in the tournament’s final four.
Pegula’s path to the semifinal was challenging, particularly in the opening set where she wasted six set points before losing the tiebreaker. However, she quickly regained her focus and dominated the rest of the match.
“I told myself not to get too frustrated,” Pegula said about her mindset after the tough first set. “Just stay calm, try to relax a little bit, and not try as hard to execute the game plan. That kind of allowed me to play more free.”
Semifinal Matchups Set
Pegula will face Czech rising star Linda Noskova in the semifinals. Noskova had an easier day on court, easing past Britain’s Sonay Kartal with a straight-sets win, 6-3, 6-4.
The 20-year-old Noskova has made history by becoming the youngest Czech player to reach a WTA 1000 semifinal since the format was introduced in 2009.
The other semifinal will be an all-American affair, featuring a rematch of the defending champion, Coco Gauff, against the third-seeded Amanda Anisimova.
Jessica Pegula Rallies Past Navarro To Reach China Open Semifinals
