On Sunday, Jessica Pegula (5) obtained the higher of Leylah Annie Fernandez (7-5, 6-4) of their robust third-round battle on the Miami Open. Ultimately, the American’s energy and expertise gained out over Leylah’s aggressive play.
Of their first profession match, each gamers wanted a couple of video games to settle in. They held serve till the eighth sport, when Leylah obtained maintain of a break.
Shut, however not sufficient
On serve at 5-3 to take the opening set, the Canadian fell brief, and Pegula relied on the expertise she’s gained in large moments to tip the stability in her favour.
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The reigning Nationwide Financial institution Open champion locked in 4 straight video games to prevail 7-5.
A struggle to the end
Regardless of being damaged early within the second set, Leylah discovered a strategy to cease her opponent from consolidating, however her unforced errors caught up along with her and helped Pegula get forward.
The Canadian rallied to 3-3 however dropped her serve on the thirteenth break level in opposition to her. She thrilled the group with spectacular pictures and sprints to the online, however it was too little too late.
Her rival clinched the match by holding serve at zero.
Within the spherical of 16, Jessica Pegula will tackle Emma Navarro (20) of the US, who defeated Jasmine Paolini.
As for Leylah Annie Fernandez, she’ll be again in motion on the WTA500 Charleston Open that will get underway on April 1.
Denis Shapovalov pulls up skates
On the day after his glowing win over Stefanos Tsitsipas, Denis Shapovalov confronted one more uphill battle in opposition to Matteo Arnaldi. Sadly, the Canadian couldn’t construct on his success and fell 6-3, 7-6(7).
Each gamers began out sturdy, however the rain got here down simply as Arnaldi had a chance to interrupt. When the match obtained again on observe 30 minutes later, he broke a pissed off Shapovalov who couldn’t provide you with any solutions and let the set slip away.
Looking for options
Even with the group behind him, Denis was damaged once more early within the second set.
However one thing clicked when Arnaldi was on serve for the match: Shapovalov out of the blue took flight and broke his rival at zero to deliver the rating to 6-5.
Within the tiebreaker, Arnaldi produced a mini-break to take the lead 4-2, however Denis got here again to win three straight factors. He had a set level at 7-6 however couldn’t determine a strategy to cease Arnaldi from sealing the deal on his second match level.
Within the subsequent spherical, Arnaldi goes head-to-head in opposition to both Andy Murray or Tomas Machac.
