Jessica Pegula says what her opponent did to make her feel ‘uncomfortable’ during second-round clash at Roland Garros

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Jessica Pegula is into the next stage at Roland Garros following her second-round victory over Ann Li.

The American emerged victorious over her compatriot 6-3, 7-6, clinching the second-set tiebreak 7-3.

Pegula had struggled on clay coming into the second Grand Slam of the year, having lost in the third round of both the Madrid Open and the Italian Open.

She has picked up form again at the French Open, however, with two consecutive straight-set wins to kick off her campaign in Paris.

Following a tough match with Li, Pegula spoke on how her opponent made life tricky for her during their clash.

Jessica Pegula says what was tricky about clash with Ann Li at Roland Garros

Speaking on court after her win, Pegula said: “I felt like it was really physical, a lot of really long points, just long rallies, long games. I just felt like I had to earn every single point, every single game.

“It was really tricky at the end there, us both trying to hold, we both had chances but yeah, maybe I got a little lucky, dug out some tough games, but happy that it ended in straight sets.

“It’s tricky, she’s making you really uncomfortable all the time, especially on the clay. A lot of slices, moves really well, spinny forehand, really good serve, she was serving really good at the end there.

“You can’t really lose your cool; you have to play really smart. Not go for too much, especially when it’s really windy, which also made that really difficult.”

Jessica Pegula becomes the second player to reach season milestone

With her triumph over Li, Pegula tallied her 30th WTA-level main draw victory of the season, becoming the second player to do so this year after Aryna Sabalenka.

The world number three has won two titles so far this season, with victories at the Charleston Open and the ATX Open.

She also had near-misses at the Adelaide International and the Miami Open, making the final at both tournaments.

Pegula will play former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in the next round, who she lost to once before in the quarter-finals at the All England Club.