Jessica Pegula explains the change she made in the third set which helped her win the Canadian Open title vs Amanda Anisimova

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Jessica Pegula noted the key change she made in the third set to win the Canadian Open final.

The 30-year-old recorded her second successive title in Canada by defeating American compatriot Amanda Anisimova in three sets.

This was the first time that the new World number 49 had reached a WTA 1000 final and she certainly gave it her all.

But after the score was locked at a set apiece, the American stormed to a 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 win and Pegula improved her impressive record in Canada.

What change did Jessica Pegula make to win the Canadian Open final?

Jessica Pegula faced her toughest challenge of the Canadian Open against Anisimova in the championship match.

After winning the first set, the 22-year-old made life difficult for the World number six by storming back to take the second set.

But Pegula, knowing her opponent had the momentum, found ways to neutralise Anisimova’s heavy groundstrokes and quell her fightback, as Pegula conceded just one game in the deciding set.

“I was able to reset in the third which I knew I had to and for me at the start of the third I just tried to pick up my energy levels. I felt that I hit a bit of a lull,” Pegula said during her post match press conference.

“In the second set, I miss a few shots, then I don’t win that game there [to go 3-0 up], and I lost a bit of energy and wasn’t really doing much. She started playing better as well and serving better.

“But in the third I was just like I need to pick up my energy here and I need to come and start off the third and get on her really quickly, especially someone that has such big ball striking ability and can hit winners and boss you around the court, you want a good lead in the third against someone like that.”

Where will Jessica Pegula play next?

After successfully defending the Canadian Open title, Pegula is set to play at the Cincinnati Open which commences this week.

Tennis has been coming thick and fast over the summer and the road to the US Open continues to heat up.

For many players, the Cincinnati Open will be the final tournament they participate in before heading to New York for the US Open.

Pegula is aiming to continue her great form back on home soil as she bids to win the Cincinnati title for the first time in her career.