In a tightly contested and impressive encounter, Sabalenka nullified Pegula’s initial push with a fourth breakpoint conversion, establishing a 4-2 advantage in the opening set.
Subsequently, the competitor from Belarus managed to overcome the setback of having her serve broken immediately after failing to convert an initial set point. Eventually, she seized her fifth chance to secure the set on her opponent’s serve, concluding it after 45 minutes.
However, Pegula, fully aware that a victory, regardless of the manner, would secure her advancement to the semi-finals, asserted control in the second set. She solidified a break to love by successfully defending against two breakpoints, thus achieving a 3-1 lead.
Following Sabalenka’s concession of another break due to a double fault – marking her third lost service game in five – Pegula mounted a comeback from a two-breakpoint deficit to equalize the match.
An uneasy Sabalenka faced repercussions for squandering her initial opportunity in the deciding set when Pegula secured her fourth breakpoint to gain a slight lead. Nevertheless, the multiple major titleholder retaliated in a captivating final set.
That moment proved pivotal as Sabalenka initiated a sequence of four consecutive games and, unlike her experience at the Wuhan Open in October, prevented Pegula from orchestrating a late resurgence, ultimately clinching the win with an exceptional forehand.
Sabalenka’s trainer, Anton Dubrov, departed from his seat during the match when his pupil expressed feelings of “frustration.”
“Perhaps his action was beneficial because he angered me, which in turn allowed me to find something extra within myself, driven by the stress I felt.”
