Jessica Pegula says she “doesn’t thoughts” enjoying Elena Rybakina however famous that the Kazakh “is the one to beat proper now.” Pegula, 29, and 23-year-old Rybakina are set to fulfill within the Miami semifinal. Going into the match, Pegula owns a 2-0 head-to-head file.
Pegula defeated Rybakina twice final 12 months however the Kazakh elevated her recreation to a brand new stage at first of the 2023 season. “I do not thoughts enjoying her, at the least up to now. Clearly she’s picked up her stage since then, so it’s going to be a tricky take a look at, particularly after this match, simply bodily see how I really feel.
Hopefully I can recuperate in time. At the very least I’ve one other day. I believe she and Sabalenka are those to beat proper now so it’ll be an excellent take a look at and a deserved semi for a event like this,” Pegula mentioned.
Pegula beat Anastasia Potapova to arrange a Rybakina match
Pegula, ranked at No 3 on the earth, saved two match factors earlier than edging out Twenty sixth-ranked Potapova 4-6 6-3 7-6 (2).
Within the third set, Potapova was twice serving for the match however Pegula twice managed to recuperate and finally power a tie-break – which the American gained. Serving for the match within the tenth recreation of the third set, Potapova missed out on two match factors.
“I actually do not understand how I gained. She was simply enjoying fearless, simply going for her pictures, transferring effectively. The important thing was to not get too pissed off and simply attempt to keep inside one break within the third despite the fact that I used to be actually gassed.
I knew regardless she would get tight attempting to shut it out. She bought a bit tight and I used to be capable of take my possibilities,” Pegula mentioned after beating Potapova. Final 12 months, Pegula made the Miami semifinal earlier than shedding to Iga Swiatek. It stays to be seen if Pegula can beat Rybakina and attain her first Miami remaining this 12 months.