Jessica Pegula didn't open very well, but she rallied in time to cruise past compatriot Claire Liu at the 2023 Korea Open in Seoul.
Jessica Pegula has played some really solid tennis lately, making her way to the Japan Open final recently. The American failed to win the trophy there but is within one match of making the final again after besting Liu in Korea.
The match was a very interesting one because Pegula struggled greatly with her opponent at the start of it. Liu is a really good mover who always pushes you to play one more shot, and it can be tough to overcome at times. As good as Pegula is, she's quite a streaky hitter with consistency that can be all over the place.
Liu used that to take the opening set even though she failed to serve it out at 5-3. What did get it done was another break at 5-4 for the 6-4 finish. A response was expected from Pegula, and it came early in the next set as she took an early 2-0 lead and, after that, kept cruising through her game.
Liu failed to break back, and her older compatriot was able to finish it off 6-3. The final set was shaping up to be an epic one, but it was anything but, as Pegula completely dominated the match. She was in rhythm and full of confidence after winning the second set, allowing her to impose her will.
She took an early break and then another and finally one more to close out the match with a bagel. A superb comeback for Pegula who won 4-6 6-3 6-0 wh onow awaits the winner of the Yanina Wickmayer and Polina Kudermetova match. She lost to Polina's sister Veronika in the Japan Open final a few weeks ago.