Charleston Open: ‘Just Tough’ Pegula survives rollercoaster to beat Begu, plays Badosa in quarters

American Jessica Pegula, the top seed, won a rollercoaster encounter against Romanian Irina-Camelia Begu, the No 15 seed, to advance to the last eight of the Charleston Open at the Family Circle Tennis Center on Thursday.

Pegula seemed like she had the match on her hands as she led 7-45, 4-0 before Begu won 10 games in a row to take a 4-0 lead in the final set.

However, Pegula then fought back to win six games in a row to finally emerge a 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 winner in two hours and 30 minutes.

Speaking after her win during the on-court interview, Pegula described herself as “just tough” when asked what she learnt about herself during the match.

Pegula, ranked No 3, will face Spaniard Paula Badosa, the No 12 seed, next. The pair have met only once – in Miami last year, which Pegula won when Badosa retired while trailing 4-1 in the first set.

The American won against Russian Anna Blinkova (6-2, 6-0) ahead of her victory.

Earlier in the tournament, Begu, ranked No 37, defeated Hungarian Dalma Galfi (6-1, 7-5) and American wildcard Sofia Kenin (6-1, 6-4).

Charleston WTA 500, other round of 16 results (Family Circle Tennis Center, clay, USD 780,637)

• Daria Kasatkina (3) beat Bernarda Pera: 6-3, 7-6 (3)
• Ekaterina Alexandrova (7) beat Julia Grabher: 6-4, 6-2
• Ons Jabeur (2) beat Caroline Dolehide (WC): 6-3, 7-5
• Anna Kalinskaya beat Victoria Azarenka (6): 6-4, 7-6 (5)
• Paula Badosa beat Diana Shnaider: 6-1, 6-3
• Magda Linette vs. Madison Keys
• Belinda Bencic vs. Shelby Rogers

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