Jessica Pegula apparently did not know that she could still qualify for the last four of the season-ending WTA Finals in Fort Worth this week.
Despite two good performances, the American No. 1 has come away empty-handed so far in Texas, having lost both of her opening group matches. This leaves her on the verge of elimination, however there is still a scenario in which she can make it through the her first WTA Finals semi-final.
The World No. 3 would need to defeat Sabalenka in straight sets, while hoping that Sakkari also wins her final group match against Ons Jabeur in straight sets.
But Pegula was unaware this was a possibility, having spoken of her frustration with the format allowing for a player to be eliminated and yet still have to compete in another match.
When it was pointed out that she could still qualify, the 28 year-old appeared to change her mind, saying, "I take back what I said about like, Oh, the format not really mattering. After losing four times in three days, it definitely sucks more than when you have a week to reset in between tournaments".
Both her and fellow American Coco Gauff have endured a disappointing week on their home turf. They have lost both of their matches as a doubles pair, and have each lost both of their opening singles matches as well.
However, should Pegula regain the panache that saw her win her first Masters 1000 title in Guadalajara a fortnight ago, she will have every chance of beating her Belarusian counterpart this evening. Then all eyes will be on Sakkari against Jabeur.
Stranger things have happened. If Pegula were to sneak through, given all she was up against and with the support of a home crowd behind her, the American may well take some stopping.
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