Jessica Pegula is off to a winning start at the Wuhan Open after battling past fellow American Hailey Baptiste.
Pegula is out of the Wuhan Open doubles, but the sixth seed won her opening singles clash 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(8-6) against fellow American Baptiste.
New world number six Pegula received a bye in the first round of the WTA 1000 event, with ninth seed Ekaterina Alexandrova representing her next opponent.
Pegula is chasing a WTA Finals spot, which has already been secured by a handful of her rivals at this stage of the season.
The American star is also chasing her fourth WTA title of the season at the Wuhan Open, and the 10th of her career.
Jessica Pegula reacts after needing seven match points to beat Hailey Baptiste in Wuhan
Pegula took the long road to overcoming Baptiste, having six match points in their clash before finally winning the seventh.
Sharing her reaction to that scenario, she said on court after the win: “I don’t really know what to say about the match. It was brutal.
READ MORE: Wuhan Open 2025: Players, schedule, how to watch, and prize money on offer
“I had match points then she started playing well. I got a little tentative and that’s all it takes sometimes for someone to come back.
“I am really proud of myself for how I held it together because I easily could have just collapsed. That was a wild ride!”
Jessica Pegula shares verdict on the Wuhan Open conditions
Pegula also discussed the conditions at the Wuhan Open after her win, which have taken centre stage at this year’s event.
Emma Raducanu retired with illness in her opening match, while Iga Swiatek wants matches at cooler times to avoid the heat and humidity.
Sharing her verdict, Pegula said: “I am from Florida in America and it’s very hot. It was humid but, honestly, it didn’t affect me at all. I felt good. I didn’t feel like I needed the fan or the ice towel or anything.
“I think once I felt the heat of the last few days because I train in Florida it kicked right in me being used to it and it wasn’t too bad, especially if it’s covered a bit with shade.”
Pegula’s ability to manage the tricky conditions could be a real advantage at the WTA 1000 tournament, with many other players clearly having issues.
But a very tough test does now await against Alexandrova, who has already knocked out Ann Li and Victoria Mboko.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
