Barbora Krejcikova delivered a crushing blow to Jessica Pegula’s hopes of advancing at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, defeating the American 6-3, 6-3 on Tuesday. This second straight-sets loss left Pegula anchored at the bottom of the Orange Group, with no sets won and only pride to play for in her upcoming match against Iga Swiatek.
Pegula, who was a runner-up at last year’s Finals, found herself outmatched once again. The American started strong, but Krejcikova quickly seized control, breaking Pegula’s serve and never looking back. Despite Pegula’s best efforts to claw back, her frustration was evident as she struggled to find answers to the Czech’s relentless game.
Krejcikova, meanwhile, was in fighting form. After a narrow defeat to Swiatek in her opening match, she bounced back with determination. “I was fighting for every ball and trying to play my best tennis,” said Krejcikova. “It’s a huge privilege to be here, and I’m proud to still be in the running.”
This victory marked Krejcikova’s 20th win of a rollercoaster season, highlighted by her triumphant Wimbledon campaign. Despite being ranked 13th, she earned her spot at the WTA Finals thanks to a new rule prioritizing Grand Slam winners ranked between 9 and 20 over players in the top eight of the Race.
The reigning Wimbledon champion ensured there would be no repeat of her opening-match collapse, maintaining her focus and composure to secure a vital win in just 69 minutes. Her precise serving, with 11 aces, and aggressive return game kept Pegula on the defensive.
As Krejcikova’s semifinal hopes remain alive, she looks forward to her next challenge, while Pegula will aim to salvage some pride in her final round-robin match. The journey for both players continues, but for now, it’s Krejcikova who holds the spotlight.
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