Barbora Krejcikova eliminated Jessica Pegula's hopes of advancing to the semi-finals at the WTA Finals in Riyadh with a decisive 6-3, 6-3 victory on Tuesday. This loss marked Pegula's second consecutive defeat in straight sets during the tournament, leaving her at the bottom of the Orange Group without winning a single set as she prepares for her final round-robin match against Iga Swiatek on Thursday. As last year's runner-up, Pegula's struggles in the event have been a disappointment for her.
On the other hand, Krejcikova, the eighth seed, bounced back impressively after losing her opening match to Swiatek. With this victory, she keeps her aspirations of reaching the semi-finals alive. Krejcikova expressed her determination during the match, stating, "I was fighting for every ball and I felt that I really have to play my best tennis." Her solid performance, marked by consistency and the ability to place balls strategically, was key to her success.
Reflecting on her season, Krejcikova noted her pride in her achievements, particularly her memorable triumph at Wimbledon. "Winning Wimbledon is something indescribable," she remarked, emphasizing the privilege of competing in the Finals. This victory not only bolstered her confidence but also reinforced her position in the prestigious tournament, where she aims to make a significant impact.
Despite her current ranking of 13th in the world, Krejcikova secured her place in the WTA Finals due to a new rule prioritizing Grand Slam winners with rankings between 9 and 20 over those ranked higher in the Race standings. As the reigning Wimbledon champion, she earned the last qualifying spot in Riyadh, edging out world number eight Emma Navarro. In her match against Pegula, Krejcikova showcased her prowess by hitting 11 aces and breaking her opponent's serve four times, finishing the match in just 69 minutes.
ADD A COMMENT :