WTA Finals: Pegula upsets top-ranked Sabalenka, qualifies for semis as group winner

Last year, Jessica Pegula lost all her three singles matches in the round-robin stage at the season-ending WTA Finals. On Tuesday, the American scored her second win in as many matches in the 2023 edition after an upset win over world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka to qualify for the semi-finals as the group winner.

Pegula needed one hour and 28 minutes to complete the 6-4, 6-3 win over Sabalenka, who now stands at 1-1 after two matches in the round-robin group. The Belarusian needs to reach the final this week with a 2-1 record in the group stage to assure herself the year-ending world No 1 ranking.

This was Pegula’s third win over a world No 1 in 2023 after wins over Poland’s Iga Swiatek in Montreal and the United Cup in Sydney.

“I feel more comfortable and confident playing (the top players) this year” – Pegula

Foe Pegula, the win also improved her record to two wins in six meetings over Sabalenka and, more remarkably, to 49-0 (including 7-0 against the top 10) in 2023 when she has won the first set.

For the American, it was also her fifth consecutive win over a top 10 player and took her record against the top 10 to 7-4 in 2023. Pegula told the media later after her win that she does feel more comfortable competing against the top women.

“I feel more comfortable playing (the top players) this year, I feel more confident. I don’t think it feels like such a big deal. Last year when I made Top 5, I think I psyched myself out a little bit, not a lot. You have a couple thoughts in your head, do I really belong at that level? I was always good at beating those below me, but now you have to beat the one or two before you. I think you put a bigger emphasis on that. And I think this year, I’ve not really cared. I’ve had more confidence in those matches and that’s why I’ve got more top wins — in big moments. I feel that’s where I’ve improved a little bit.”

Pegula into semi-finals as the group winner

With Elena Rybakina defeating Maria Sakkari in the second match of the day, Pegula has qualified for the semi-finals from the Bacalar group as the group topper.

Rybakina and Sabalenka will face off on Thursday with the winner moving into the last four. Sakkari, with two losses in two matches, is now knocked out of the competition.

Below are the current group standings:

• Jessica Pegula 2-0
• Aryna Sabalenka 1-1
• Elena Rybakina 1-1
• Maria Sakkari 0-2

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