In a thrilling and highly intense three-setter game, top-ranked Jessica Pegula emerged victorious over Ajla Tomljanovic, securing her spot in the final. This marks the first time Pegula had to grapple with a three-setter in the ongoing tournament, after a string of straight-set victories in her initial matches.
The American tennis ace, Pegula, exhibited an impressive performance right from the get-go of the semi-final, breaking her Australian opponent, ranked 111 globally, four times. This strategic play led to a decisive first set victory for the number one seed.
Tomljanovic, however, was far from conceding defeat. The Australian player displayed a renewed vigor at the commencement of the second set, achieving back-to-back breaks that catapulted her to a 4-1 lead. Despite Pegula clawing back with a break in the sixth game, Tomljanovic managed to maintain her second break, pushing the match into a decisive third set.
The final set witnessed Pegula regaining her dominance. She clinched the first two games, endured a break in the third, but swiftly rebounded with a break in the fourth, taking a 3-1 lead. The 2024 US Open finalist then held her ground, denying Tomljanovic any break points for the remainder of the match, thus securing a triumphant three-set victory.
This encounter marked the fourth face-off between the two athletes, bringing their head-to-head record to a balanced 2-2.
Looking ahead to the final in Austin, who will Pegula go up against? An all-American final at the WTA 250 tournament could be in the offing, as Pegula awaits the victor of the match between America’s McCartney Kessler and Belgium’s Greetje Minnen.
Regardless of her opponent, the world number 4, Pegula, is poised to be the heavy favorite. If she clinches victory in Austin, it will be a landmark moment, marking her first title of the year and her seventh overall WTA title.
The Austin tournament also holds special significance for 31-year-old Pegula, as it marks her inaugural appearance in the city. A victory here would indeed be a perfect debut for the tennis star.