‘Confident’ Jessica Pegula into WTA Finals semis with Aryna Sabalenka win, Maria Sakkari out after Elena Rybakina loss

Jessica Pegula progressed into the semi-finals at the WTA Finals with a comprehensive 6-4 6-3 win over world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.

The American broke Sabalenka in the fifth game on her second break point, doing so again after a successful hold to move 5-2 up.

Sabalenka managed to break back, but it counted for little in the end, as the world No. 5 successfully served for the set to draw first blood.

The second set was even more emphatic for Pegula, who secured a quick double break against the Belarusian to race into a 3-0 lead.

Pegula was serving for the match at 5-2 up, but relinquished two match points as Sabalenka claimed a crucial break to keep the contest alive.

However, the 29-year-old returned the favour in an epic ninth game that saw a further four match points come and go, before eventually coming out on top by taking the fifth.

“I feel more comfortable playing [top players] this year, I feel more confident,” Pegula said.

“I don’t think it feels like such a big deal. Last year when I made the 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.

“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’s spot in the last four was sealed when Elena Rybakina prevailed against Maria Sakkari with a 6-0 6-7(4) 7-6(2) victory.

The world No. 4 wrapped up the first set with a bagel after breaking the Greek’s serve three times in a dominant opener, but the next two were much closer affairs.

In complete contrast to the first set, Sakkari was much stronger on her serve and swatted away the three break points she faced with the score level at 6-6.

She broke the Kazakh’s serve four times in the tie-break to prevail 7-4 and level the scores on her second set point.

The Greek continued her brave fight in the decider, breaking back immediately after losing on her serve at 4-2 down, but she ultimately wilted in the tie-break.

After moving 6-0 ahead, Rybakina was victorious after her third match point.

“Now you win and you stay, or you lose and you go back home,” Rybakina said.

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

It was ultimately disappointing for Sakkari, who had two chances to serve for the match when Rybakina played a forehand wide at 4-4, 15-30. However Rybakina would go on to take a 5-4 lead.

“I remember that forehand I missed in the net on,” Sakkari explained.

“I went for a bigger shot than I should. It was a high bounce; I shouldn’t have tried to hit it as flat. I think also a crucial game was the first one of the third set. Things would have been different, but she made good first serves. Yeah, I had chances.”