Tennis

Jessica Pegula, the reigning National Bank Open champion, is poised to defend her title on Monday, August 12, in Toronto. Despite the venue change from Montreal to Toronto, Pegula has maintained her impressive form, reaching the final without dropping a set. Her most recent victory was a dominant 6-4, 6-3 triumph over Diana Shnaider.Pegula's chances of adding to her trophy collection are bolstered by several factors. Firstly, her opponent, Amanda Anisimova, required a medical timeout during her semifinal win over Emma Navarro. While Anisimova ultimately prevailed, her physical condition remains a concern, especially considering her history of injuries. In contrast, Pegula has displayed remarkable stamina throughout the tournament.Furthermore, Pegula holds a 2-0 head-to-head record against Anisimova. While Anisimova has improved her game since their previous encounters, Pegula's ability to extend rallies and redirect pace poses a significant challenge for her opponent. Anisimova's quick-strike tennis may be effective in short bursts, but Pegula's superior rally tolerance will give her an edge in longer exchanges.Additionally, this will be Anisimova's first final since January 2022 and her biggest final to date. The pressure of the occasion could potentially affect her performance, while Pegula's experience in high-stakes matches will serve her well.Pegula's flat strokes and aggressive baseline play make her a formidable opponent on hard courts. Her ability to control the pace and dictate the rallies will likely prove too much for Anisimova.Based on these factors, Pegula is the clear favorite to win the National Bank Open for the second consecutive year. Her consistency, physical advantage, and experience give her a significant edge over Anisimova.

The US Open may still be weeks away, but the American women are already making their mark on the WTA circuit. At the WTA 1000 National Bank Open in Toronto, four US players have stormed into the quarterfinals, led by defending champion Jessica Pegula.Pegula, the No. 3 seed, overcame a spirited challenge from fellow American Ashlyn Krueger, winning 6-4, 6-2. Despite windy conditions and a combined 70 unforced errors, Pegula's experience and resilience proved too much for the 20-year-old qualifier.Joining Pegula in the last eight are Amanda Anisimova, Emma Navarro, and Taylor Townsend. Anisimova, a former Roland Garros semifinalist, retired her opponent Anna Kalinskaya in the second set. Navarro, seeded No. 11, upset eighth-seeded Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine 7-5, 7-5.Townsend, a last-minute replacement for Yulia Putintseva, made history by defeating former Roland Garros champion Jelena Ostapenko 6-2, 6-1. The left-hander, who won Wimbledon in doubles last month, had never reached a WTA quarterfinal in singles before this week.With No. 1 seed Coco Gauff and former NCAA champion Peyton Stearns still to play, as many as six Americans could make up the eight quarterfinalists. This would be a testament to the depth and talent of the US women's tennis.Townsend, who broke into the Top 50 in doubles after her Wimbledon triumph, is now on the cusp of achieving the same feat in singles. A win against Navarro in the quarterfinals would guarantee her a place among the world's top 50.The American quartet's success in Toronto is a positive sign for the US Open, which begins on August 29. With their confidence and momentum high, they will be among the favorites to challenge for the title in New York.

Jessica Pegula, the reigning champion of the National Bank Open, commenced her pursuit of a historic Montréal-Toronto double on Wednesday night with a convincing 7-5, 6-4 victory over former world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova.Pegula, currently ranked No. 6, is aiming to emulate Martina Hingis's feat of winning consecutive titles in Canada in 1999 and 2000. Her triumph in Montréal last year, where she upset Iga Swiatek, marked her second WTA 1000 title. However, her 2023 season has been marred by injuries and a coaching change, affecting her consistency.Despite her recent challenges, Pegula displayed her resilience against Pliskova, who reached the finals in 2021. The American overcame an early break deficit and regained her own break advantage to secure the first set.Pliskova, ranked No. 45, posed a formidable challenge in the second set, pushing Pegula to the limit as she served for the match. However, Pegula's determination prevailed as she saved two break chances in the final game to seal the victory in straight sets.Pegula's next opponent will be the winner of the second-round clash between Ashlyn Krueger and Leylah Fernandez, who defeated Nao Hibino in the opening match of Wednesday's night session.Pegula's victory sets the stage for a potential quarterfinal showdown with Swiatek, who received a first-round bye. The American will be eager to avenge her loss to the Polish star in the semifinals of the Australian Open earlier this year.

Jessica Pegula, a six-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist, is determined to break through the barrier and claim her first major title. At the age of 30, she stands at a crossroads, much like the Buffalo Bills teams her family owns, wondering what to do next in her quest for glory.Pegula's journey has been marked by resilience and steady progress. Despite not qualifying for a major until 2019, she has consistently improved, reaching the Top 20 and making multiple Grand Slam quarterfinals. Her recent split from long-time coach David Witt and partnership with Mark Merklein and Mark Knowles has brought a fresh perspective to her game.Pegula's compact, precise strokes are well-suited for grass, as demonstrated by her recent grass-court title in Berlin. She understands the nuances of the surface, emphasizing patience, adaptability, and a crafty approach.Despite missing the clay-court swing due to injury, Pegula is refreshed and ready for Wimbledon. She believes that her ability to focus on every point and embrace the challenges of grass will be crucial to her success.Like the Bills, Pegula is at a pivotal moment in her career. Wimbledon represents her own Super Bowl, an opportunity to break through and achieve her ultimate goal.

Jessica Pegula, the No. 5 seed at Wimbledon, expressed her thoughts on the tournament's unpredictable nature and her own approach to the competition.Pegula, who reached the quarterfinals in 2021, acknowledged the recent trend of different women winning the grass-court major in recent years. She noted that the top half of the draw features formidable opponents like Iga Swiatek, Marketa Vondrousova, and Elena Rybakina.However, Pegula also highlighted the absence of former semifinalists in the bottom half due to injuries to Aryna Sabalenka and Victoria Azarenka. She revealed her prediction that Brenda Fruhvirtova would defeat Mirra Andreeva, which ultimately came to fruition.Pegula emphasized her belief in her abilities but refrained from setting unrealistic expectations. She explained that she focuses on winning each match rather than dwelling on the possibility of winning the tournament.Despite her recent grass-court title in Berlin, Pegula remains grounded and recognizes the unique atmosphere of Wimbledon. She admitted that it's difficult to ignore the sense of history and grandeur that surrounds the event.Pegula also shared her experience of participating in an escape room adventure with her sister and fellow Olympic team member Desirae Krawczyk. She expressed her enjoyment and hinted at the possibility of trying another one.

Iga Swiatek's dominance continues as she sets her sights on Wimbledon glory. The Polish sensation has claimed her fifth Grand Slam title at Roland Garros, extending her winning streak to 35 matches. Now, the tennis world turns its attention to the grass courts of Wimbledon, where Swiatek will face a new set of challenges.Aryna Sabalenka, known for her powerful game, enters Wimbledon as the betting favorite. However, Swiatek's recent adjustments to her game suggest she could be a formidable contender. Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, also poses a significant threat.Among the potential underdogs to watch is Jessica Pegula. The American has been in impressive form, winning a title in Berlin and pushing Emma Raducanu to the brink in Eastbourne. Her well-rounded game and powerful baseline strokes make her a dangerous opponent on grass.Madison Keys, a two-time Wimbledon quarterfinalist, is another player to keep an eye on. Her exceptional serve and aggressive baseline play suit the grass courts well.On the other hand, Coco Gauff's game may not be as well-suited to Wimbledon. Her reliance on extended points and lack of a dominant forehand could hinder her progress. Naomi Osaka, despite her impressive performance against Swiatek at Roland Garros, has struggled with mobility issues on grass.Despite her limited success on grass in the past, Swiatek's recent improvements suggest she could be a force to be reckoned with at Wimbledon. Her improved hold percentage and ability to hit winners make her a dangerous opponent on any surface.As the world's top-ranked player, Swiatek is the one to beat. Her determination and ability to adapt to different conditions make her a strong favorite to add Wimbledon to her growing list of Grand Slam titles.

Emma Raducanu's journey to her maiden Top 10 victory at the Rothesay International in Eastbourne was a testament to her resilience and determination. Facing the formidable Jessica Pegula, the 2021 US Open champion displayed unwavering resolve, battling through a rollercoaster match to emerge victorious.Raducanu's path to the quarterfinals was paved with challenges. She faced a match point in the second set tie-break, but summoned her inner strength to win three consecutive points and force a decider. The final set was a grueling affair, with Raducanu serving for the contest three times. Despite facing four break points in the final game, she held her nerve to seal the victory after a marathon two hours and 44 minutes."It's incredibly difficult when you're playing someone who's so in form like Jessica," Raducanu acknowledged. "I'm really pleased with how I managed to navigate against really tough situations. I didn't think, to be honest, that I'd be able to get myself out of it."Raducanu's victory over Pegula marked her second consecutive win against an American opponent, following her triumph over Sloane Stephens. She now faces Daria Kasatkina in the semifinals, who also rallied from a set down to defeat Yuan Yue.Meanwhile, Katie Boulter continued her impressive grass-court form by upsetting Jelena Ostapenko. The Nottingham champion converted five of 18 break points to eliminate the 2021 champion. Boulter will face Jasmine Paolini in the quarterfinals, who retired Elise Mertens due to a hip injury.Karolina Muchova, returning from right wrist surgery, eased past Magda Linette to set up a clash with reigning title holder Madison Keys. The fourth seed defeated Anhelina Kalinina in straight sets.Wild card Harriet Dart overcame Sofia Kenin to reach the quarterfinals, where she will face Leylah Fernandez. The left-hander rolled past Ashlyn Krueger in straight sets.

Jessica Pegula's return to form has been nothing short of remarkable. After missing the European clay-court season due to a rib injury, the American has stormed into the final of the WTA 500-level grass-court event in Berlin. Her victory over Coco Gauff in the semifinals marked a significant milestone in her career.Pegula's triumph in Berlin is her first final of the year, a testament to her resilience and determination. Her last final appearance came at the WTA Finals in 2022, where she finished runner-up to Iga Swiatek. Notably, this is also Pegula's first grass-court final, a surface on which she has previously struggled.Moreover, Pegula's victory over Gauff was her 20th Top 10 win of her career, a remarkable achievement. All of her Top 10 wins have come in the last three-and-a-half years, highlighting her rapid ascent in the tennis world. In fact, she has won eight of her last nine matches against Top 10 players, a testament to her newfound dominance.Pegula's semifinal clash with Gauff was a thrilling affair that spanned two days. Pegula drew first blood in the first set, but Gauff fought back to level the score. However, Pegula's resilience shone through as she broke Gauff again and served out the set.In the second set, Gauff took an early lead, but Pegula refused to be deterred. She broke back and pushed the set to a tie-break. Play was suspended due to rain, but Pegula returned on Sunday to win four of the last five points and seal the victory.Pegula's success in Berlin is a testament to her hard work and dedication. She has overcome injury and adversity to reach the pinnacle of her sport. Her victory over Gauff is a statement of intent, and she will be a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming Wimbledon Championships.

Coco Gauff, the 20-year-old American tennis sensation, will lead the U.S. team at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Gauff, currently ranked No. 2 in the world, will be joined by a formidable team of Jessica Pegula (No. 5), Danielle Collins, and Emma Navarro in women's singles. The men's team will feature Taylor Fritz (No. 12), Tommy Paul (No. 13), Chris Eubanks, and Marcos Giron.Gauff, who missed the Tokyo Olympics due to a COVID-19 infection, is a rising star in the tennis world. She is the reigning U.S. Open champion and has reached the semifinals at the Australian and French Opens this year. Gauff is also a formidable doubles player, having won the French Open doubles title with Pegula this month.Pegula, a 30-year-old veteran, is returning to action after a neck injury that forced her to miss the French Open. She was a singles quarterfinalist at Roland Garros in 2022. Collins, a 29-year-old who has announced this will be her final season on the tour, has won two titles this year and reached the final of the Australian Open in 2022.The U.S. team also includes six first-time Olympians, including Navarro, who reached the fourth round at Roland Garros this year. In the men's competition, Fritz is the highest-ranked American, followed by Paul, Eubanks, and Giron. Paul and Giron competed at the Tokyo Games.The U.S. will also send 40-year-old Rajeev Ram to his third Olympics. Ram, who has four major doubles titles, will be paired with Austin Krajicek in Paris. Fritz and Paul will also join forces in doubles. The USTA will announce one mixed doubles team for Paris at a later date.The American team will be looking to improve on its performance at the Tokyo Olympics, where it won one gold medal in mixed doubles. The U.S. has a strong history in tennis at the Olympics, having won 21 gold medals in singles and doubles combined.