Pegula will defend her title against surprise contender Anisimova in Toronto
American Jessica Pegula secured a commanding victory over Russia’s Diana Shnaider (6-4, 6-3) this Sunday in the semifinals of the WTA tournament in Toronto, setting up a title defense against fellow American Amanda Anisimova, who upset favorite Emma Navarro (6-3, 2-6, 6-2).
Pegula, ranked 6th in the WTA rankings, will have the opportunity to defend her title, which she won last year in Montreal (the tournament alternates between Montreal and Toronto for the men’s and women’s events each year). Throughout her journey to the final, the third seed has not dropped a single set.
Her match against Shnaider followed the same pattern. The Buffalo native relied on her strong serve, winning 73% of points on her first serve, leaving the Russian (world No. 24) with only three break points to work with.
In rallies, Pegula was more consistent than her opponent. In one match point, for example, Pegula forced Shnaider into an error after a 23-shot exchange, with the Russian committing 27 unforced errors during the match.
“It was very windy today, which made it really tough. I’m moving better on the court and becoming more consistent as the week goes on,” Jessica Pegula said after her win.
Anisimova Impresses Again
In the other semifinal, an all-American battle, Amanda Anisimova triumphed in three sets over favorite Emma Navarro (6-3, 2-6, 6-2).
Ranked 132nd in the WTA standings, Anisimova continues to impress, though she had to work hard to overcome the world No. 15. The match lasted one hour and 55 minutes, with both players struggling to deliver quality serves: 47% first serves for Navarro and 53% for Anisimova.
The difference was made in the rallies, where Navarro struggled against the power of her opponent, much like Aryna Sabalenka, who also found no answers against Anisimova’s form.
Since the beginning of the week in Ontario, the 22-year-old has given her opponents no chance. In Monday’s final, she will enter the court as the underdog against Pegula.
