Top-seeded Jessica Pegula mounted a remarkable turnaround from a second-set disadvantage to clinch the Credit One Charleston Open title on Sunday, defeating fellow American Sofia Kenin 6-3, 7-5.
The first all-American final in Charleston in two decades initially appeared destined for a three-set battle. Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open champion, had established a commanding 5-1 lead in the second set after conceding the first. In the subsequent game, the former World No. 4 held three set points on return but failed to convert any, and ultimately wouldn`t get another opportunity. Pegula then surged, winning six games consecutively to seize her second title of the season, adding to her WTA 250 victory in Austin the previous month.
The top seed also demonstrated resilience in the first set, recovering from a 0-2 start to win four straight games and take the lead.
`I just realized how tired I was,` Pegula admitted to Tennis Channel in a post-match interview. `She elevated her game, and there were a couple of games where I couldn`t break through or hold serve. The conditions were incredibly windy and challenging. Losing focus for even a moment or stopping foot movement could quickly shift the momentum. It was equally tough for both of us.`
`In the second set, my primary goal was to hold serve and build momentum for a potential third set, as entering a third set from that position is never ideal,` she explained. `However, I knew I had the capability to break her serve. To be honest, I didn`t anticipate breaking her twice, but fortunately, I managed to play some strong tennis.`
Pegula has achieved victory in 17 of her last 19 matches, and with five wins this week, her season total reaches 25, ranking her No. 1 on the Hologic WTA Tour. She is set to overtake Coco Gauff as the leading American player and ascend to a career-high World No. 3 ranking on Monday.
More updates to follow…
Rupert Caldwell