Clash of Titans: Pegula and Keys Set for Thrilling Adelaide Final
Top seed Jessica Pegula and former champion Madison Keys are gearing up for an electrifying all-American showdown at the Adelaide International. The close friends earned their spots in the final after contrasting semifinal victories, setting the stage for an epic clash ahead of the Australian Open.
Pegula faced the resilient Yulia Putintseva and overcame a challenging tiebreak to secure a 7-6(4), 6-3 win. “Even when I practice with her, she’ll throw in the underarm serve,” Pegula said of her crafty opponent. “I was on my toes for lots of drop shots. It was tricky, but I handled it well and played some good tennis in the end.”
Meanwhile, Keys advanced under unusual circumstances when Liudmila Samsonova retired in the third set due to an abdominal injury. The 2022 Adelaide champion was leading 5-7, 7-5, 3-0 when Samsonova was forced to withdraw. “It’s obviously not how you want to win,” Keys said, “but I was happy to tough it out and stay in the match.”
This will be the third meeting between Pegula and Keys, who have split their previous two encounters. Pegula triumphed in their 2022 San Diego quarterfinal clash, while Keys claimed a dominant victory in the 2023 US Open fourth round.
Both players have had standout careers and are no strangers to big finals. Pegula, bidding for her seventh career title, has an overall record of 6-8 in WTA finals. Keys, seeking her ninth title, holds an impressive 8-5 record. Saturday’s match marks the fifth all-American WTA final of the decade, with Pegula or Keys featuring in each of the previous four.
Off the court, their camaraderie shines through. Pegula revealed that just 20 minutes before their semifinal matches, she texted Keys asking for electrolytes. “We’re playing some good tennis,” Pegula joked. “The way I’d like it is for us to meet in the finals every time.”
On the men’s side, the Adelaide final will feature Felix Auger-Aliassime and Sebastian Korda after stunning performances. Auger-Aliassime upset top seed Tommy Paul in a grueling 7-6(3), 3-6, 6-4 battle, while Korda cruised past Miomir Kecmanovic 6-3, 7-6(4). “I just love playing here,” Korda said. “This court suits me well, and I hope to keep enjoying myself.”
As Pegula and Keys prepare to face off, tennis fans can anticipate a thrilling and competitive final. With their skills, determination, and mutual respect, this clash promises to be a highlight of the season.
FAQs
- When is the Adelaide International women’s final?
- The final is scheduled for Saturday, just ahead of the Australian Open.
- How many titles do Pegula and Keys have?
- Pegula has six career titles, while Keys has eight.
- What is the head-to-head record between Pegula and Keys?
- They are tied 1-1 in their previous meetings.
- Who advanced to the men’s final in Adelaide?
- Felix Auger-Aliassime and Sebastian Korda will compete in the men’s final.
- What makes this final significant?
- This is the fifth all-American WTA final of the decade, with Pegula or Keys featured in each one.
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