‘Excited’ Jessica Pegula speaks for the first time after winning again in China and reaching the quarterfinals

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Jessica Pegula is into the quarterfinals of the Wuhan Open after a very entertaining match against Ekaterina Alexandrova.

Pegula went to the last four of the China Open last week before coming up against Linda Noskova, who is currently in extremely good form.

Pegula was knocked out of the doubles with partner Ashlyn Krueger over the weekend, and that does appear to have reignited her singles desires.

The American was given a tough time in the previous round against Hailey Baptiste, with Pegula needing seven match points to see off her compatriot.

Noskova hailed Pegula after beating her last week, and now Pegula will be hoping to go a little bit further in Wuhan.

• READ MORE: Amanda Anisimova reacts to what Jessica Pegula has said about her

Jessica Pegula reacts after beating Ekaterina Alexandrova

The Russian player is enjoying a pretty solid year on the WTA Tour and is currently sitting in a career-high place of number 11 in the world rankings.

Alexandrova lost to Czech player Barbora Krejcikova in the round of 64 last week but thrashed Victoria Mboko in the same stage in Wuhan.

After coming through against Ann Li, who conquered Emma Raducanu, Alexandrova gave a strong account of herself against Pegula before ultimately falling short.

After the win, Pegula said in her on-court interview: “I can’t remember the last time I played two sets! I have been competing really hard and playing a lot of good players. There were different conditions today with the roof closed. It took me a little while to get adjusted, but then I think it was a really high level for the second half of the match. I am just excited that I was able to get over the line.

Every time we play, it has always been a match like this. Super close, three sets. I feel like it’s one of those matches we tend to play into each other’s games. We like the way we hit the ball and get into a rhythm and start playing at a really high level.

“At the end, I tried to mix it up a bit, the best I could, try and do things a bit differently, and I feel like I did well against her the last time I played here. But it’s tricky; she was playing at such a high level and has had an amazing year. I don’t know if she’s top 10, but she’s close. She’s an amazing player.”

Pegula makes history at the Wuhan Open

According to Opta Ace, Pegula is now the oldest player to reach the quarterfinal of the China Open and the Wuhan player in the same year.

She eclipses Petra Kvitova, who was 29 years and 206 days when she achieved the same feat back in 2019.

Pegula will now have her eyes firmly on the prize in Wuhan after making the final four in Beijing last week, with the American hoping to finish the year with a flourish.

The American is currently ranked at number seven in the world and with more tournaments to come, it could be a memorable end of the year for the 31-year-old.