From 3-12 v top 10 to 7-4: How Jessica Pegula became ‘more confident’ against the best after Aryna Sabalenka win

World No. 5 Pegula won just three of 15 matches against top-10 players in 2022, including two losses to Sabalenka and four against Iga Swiatek.

But this season she has won two of three against former world No. 1 Swiatek and improved her top-10 record to 7-4 with a straight-sets victory over Sabalenka in Cancun.

The result is Pegula’s fifth straight top-10 win and sees her become the first player to qualify for the semi-finals.

That is a significant improvement from last year when Pegula lost all three of her singles matches at the WTA Finals.

“I don’t think it feels like such a big deal. Last year when I made top five, I think I psyched myself out a little bit – not a lot. You have a couple thoughts in your head – do I really belong at that level?

“I was always good at beating those below me, but now you have to beat the one or two before you. I think you put a bigger emphasis on that. And I think this year, I’ve not really cared.

“I’ve had more confidence in those matches and that’s why I’ve got more top wins – in big moments. I feel that’s where I’ve improved a little bit.”

Pegula has now recorded three wins over the reigning world No. 1 this season after twice beating Swiatek when she was top of the rankings.

She broke serve five times against Sabalenka and sealed victory on her seventh match point, having been broken when serving for the win at 5-3.

“No matter who it is, we all get into the position like I did today, where you save match points and you feel you can win or you’re fighting to stop the momentum and close out the match,” Pegula said.

“You don’t learn that until you go through it several times and experience it.

“I try to use my match experience as best I can. The more you put yourself in those situations, the better you feel when they come up again – it doesn’t feel as if you have to panic as much.”

Sabalenka was not at her best as she committed 33 unforced errors.

The world No. 1 now needs to win in her last group match against Elena Rybakina to qualify for the semi-finals.

“I guess she just played great tennis,” said Sabalenka.

“Yes, I could come back in this match – but it was too much. But, I still get a chance to pass the group, so I’m trying to stay strong.”

Sabalenka has been critical of the court in Cancun and described it as “like leather” after the defeat to Pegula.

“I guess today was a day where it didn’t work well for me. But it’s OK I still have a chance to pass the group, so I’m trying to stay strong.

“I’ll do some recovery tonight and just try to analyse what happened today. I’ll do everything I can in the next match.”

Rybakina beat Maria Sakkari in the other group match to keep her hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals alive.

The winner of the match between Rybakina and Sabalenka will join Pegula in the last four.

Rybakina has won her last two matches against Sabalenka, having lost to her in the final of the Australian Open at the start of the season.

“Now it’s gonna be either you win and you stay, or you lose and you go back home,” said Rybakina.

“So it’s kind of now the same as the other tournaments. It’s not going to be easy, and I’m going to try to do my best.”