Jessica Pegula is yet to drop a set on her way to defending her title at the Toronto Open.
Defending champion Jessica Pegula has looked remarkably measured and steady in the midst of swirling Toronto winds.
The world number six had enjoyed a straightforward run to the semi-finals, facing nobody ranked in the top 40.
Coco Gauff’s Toronto conqueror Diana Shnaider was set to be a test levels above however, with the young Russian on a hot-streak since clinching an Olympic silver medal in the doubles just over a week ago.
After going down an early break, it looked like the American might have her work cut out, however she quickly gathered her composure, altered her game plan, and executed a decisive two sets to book her spot in the final.
An all-American affair features the returning Amanda Anisimova, who has already dumped out Aryna Sabalenka and Emma Navarro in thrilling, bruising fashion.
Jessica Pegula reveals why she keeps winning WTA matches
The American hard court season is both relentless and fiercely competitive, with much of the tour far more comfortable without clay or grass beneath them – Pegula possibly tops this list.
With her defence of her title close to completion, she spoke after her semi-final match about the methods she uses to stay competitive and ultimately stay winning.
“I think I always approach every match as going to be a really tough match,” she explained, “I like to keep up and watch a lot of scores and matchups and different things. I don’t think I take any match lightly.
I think the depth right now [on the WTA Tour] is really good so I know that everyday no matter how well you’re playing or what the rankings is that someone can beat you on any given day,” she continued.
“So I think I always maybe have a bit of an underdog mentality whoever I’m playing no matter if it’s a low-ranked or high-ranked player so I think that helps me not get caught by surprise in some matches. I think maybe thats what helps me a little bit and why I’m able to, I guess win a lot of matches.”
Her ability to problem solve during the match is also especially good and often goes unnoticed, with the American managing to work out what Gauff couldn’t against Shnaider.
With Pegula previously explaining how weird Toronto has been, with the conditions and her own level feeling slightly off, she has managed to persevere and play smarter than many of the younger players in the tournament.
Can Jessica Pegula break her poor singles form at the majors ahead of the US Open
A constant favorite to win the WTA Tour titles, but never in the running at grand slam level, Pegula occupies a frustrating terrain which many never learn to leave.
Having reached the last eight of all four majors on six occasions, she has never managed to go beyond, often falling well beneath her level and departing with a whimper.
With the hard courts where the majority of her success has come, it’s surprising that the American has only made it to the US Open quarter-finals once.
At 30, the clock is running ever-so slowly down, with the younger players like Iga Swiatek and Gauff already having secured major titles.
The question is not really about Pegula’s ability and never really will be, it’s whether she can find her level when the stakes are high.
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