NewKerala.com

Key Points

Jessica Pegula extended her Canadian Open winning streak to 11 matches with a hard-fought victory over Maria Sakkari. Amanda Anisimova powered past Lulu Sun to set up a third-round showdown with US Open champion Emma Raducanu. Naomi Osaka staged a stunning comeback, saving match points against Liudmila Samsonova. The Montreal event continues to deliver thrilling matches as top players battle for supremacy.

Key Points: Pegula Extends Canadian Open Streak Over Sakkari as Anisimova Meets Raducanu

  • Pegula saves five set points in first-set thriller
  • Anisimova fires 11 aces past Lulu Sun
  • Raducanu advances to face Anisimova in marquee matchup
  • Osaka stages dramatic comeback against Samsonova
2 min read

Pegula holds off Sakkari in Montreal; Anisimova, Raducanu set up third-round meeting

Jessica Pegula survives Maria Sakkari in Montreal while Amanda Anisimova sets up a third-round clash with Emma Raducanu at the Canadian Open.

Pegula holds off Sakkari in Montreal; Anisimova, Raducanu set up third-round meeting
"Pegula showed off her Canadian magic, battling to a hold for 5-5. – WTA"

Montreal, July 31

Two-time defending champion Jessica Pegula won her 11th straight match at the Canadian Open, taking down Maria Sakkari in two close sets in the second round.

Pegula pulled off a daring first-set escape as she fended off five set points at 5-4 in the opening set and collected a 7-5, 6-4 win over Sakkari.

Pegula converted all five of her break points on Wednesday, becoming the first woman to win 11 straight matches at this event since Serena Williams reeled off 14 straight between 2011 and 2014.

The American will next face veteran Anastasija Sevastova in the third round. Former World No. 11 Sevastova beat Pegula in Indian Wells qualifying back in 2016, but Pegula picked up a clay-court win over Sevastova at 2019 Charleston.

Pegula led 3-1 in the first set before Sakkari stormed back in the opener, at one point winning 12 points in a row. Sakkari held her five set points at 5-4 but Pegula showed off her Canadian magic, battling to a hold for 5-5.

After that, Pegula's service returns ramped up in efficacy and she won the next four games to lead by a set and a break. Pegula got all the way to 4-1 in the second set before Sakkari made another surge and reached 4-3, WTA reports.

Pegula had to save one final break point in the last game before earning another win in Canada.

Another American seeded in the Top 5, Amanda Anisimova, was also a second-round winner on Wednesday. No. 5 seed Anisimova defeated Lulu Sun 6-4, 7-6(5) in an evening encounter.

Contesting her first match since she finished runner-up to Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon, Anisimova slammed 11 aces as she moved into the third round for the second straight year.

Anisimova will face a Grand Slam champion in the third round when she takes on 2021 US Open winner Emma Raducanu.

Earlier, Naimi Osaka came from a set and 5-3 down, saving two match points, to triumph 4-6, 7-6(6), 6-3 over the No. 13 seed Liudmila Samsonova in 2 hours and 37 minutes.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Excited for Anisimova vs Raducanu! Both are such exciting young players. Though I wish we had more Indian representation at this level. When will we see our own players competing like this? 😔
A
Aman W
The match statistics show how crucial break points are - Pegula converted all 5 while Sakkari couldn't capitalize. That's the difference between champions and contenders. #TennisAnalysis
N
Nisha Z
While the matches are exciting, I feel the coverage focuses too much on American players. What about other rising stars? The WTA tour has so much diversity that often gets overlooked.
V
Varun X
Osaka's comeback was the highlight for me! Saving match points shows real champion mentality. Hope she can regain her top form soon. Meanwhile, our Indian players need to step up their game big time!
S
Shreya B
The Raducanu-Anisimova match will be 🔥! Both have such different playing styles. As an Indian tennis fan, I'm taking notes - we need more aggressive baseliners like Anisimova in our circuit.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50