Jessica Pegula showed great understanding of her final opponent's situation after her win at the 2023 Canadian Open in Montreal.
Heading into the final day of the WTA 1000 tournament in Montreal, the cards were seemingly dealt, and they were not dealt fairly. While Pegula managed to beat Iga Swiatek in her semi-final match, winning 6-2, 6-7(4), 6-4, the other semi-final match could not be completed.
That left either Liudmila Samsonova or Elena Rybakina in a very difficult situation, having to play two matches on the final day of the tournament against an energized Pegula.
Samsonov beat Rybakina in three sets, 1-6, 6-1, and 6-2. Even though these were three quick sets, the match still lasted almost two hours, giving Pegula a significant advantage.
The American player obviously used that, dominating the final match from the first ball. Pegula won eleven consecutive games to beat Samsonova 6-1, 6-0, and lift the 2023 Canadian Open trophy.
After her semifinal loss, Rybakina slammed WTA's leadership, and after the final match, Pegula also talked about the issue, realizing that her opponent was not 100% fit for their final match in Montreal.
"It sucks. I feel bad that we weren't able to play on a more fair playing ground...I feel bad it wasn't the way it should have been."
The American also joked about how many matches her opponent had to play in a very short period of time. Although the Russian player would certainly be disappointed not to lift the champion's trophy, her run was impressive.
"Congrats to Liudmila. You had an amazing week, you're an amazing player, I really wish you all continued success, and I think everybody needs to give her a round of applause because she’s played like five matches in three days."
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