For the first time in her promising and outstanding career, she has qualified for the WTA Finals.
The 22-year-old has won her sixth title of the year and 17th overall, solidifying her position as the year-end No 1 for the second year in a row. This achievement also marks her 76th week at the top, ranking her 10th among the all-time leaders in weeks at No 1.
Pegula, the fifth seed, had arrived in her first final at the WTA Finals in brilliant form of her own, having dismantled all four opponents en route to the final. Her 2-1 record against Swiatek this year further demonstrated her growth. When Swiatek is in full flow, though, almost nobody in the world can live with her.
Starting from the start, the Pole dominated Pegula with her powerful and forceful hits. Her aggressive topspin forehand continuously broke down Pegula’s defense. Swiatek’s superior speed and athleticism gave her an advantage in every long rally, and she made incredible returns, completely dismantling Pegula’s serve.
Pegula has been able to hold her own in previous matches against Swiatek. While Swiatek has won five out of their eight matchups, Pegula has emerged victorious in two out of three this year.
describes her game:
While Pegula’s style of play may not be as showy or dynamic as other elite players, it is structured and dependable. She executes her groundstrokes with precision, efficiency, and fluidity, and combines them with calculated and strategic aggressive shots.
Pegula is a unique exception in a sport that typically favors younger players, as she achieved success later in her career. It wasn’t until she reached the age of 25 that she broke into the top 100 rankings. However, in 2021, she climbed to 18th place, surpassing her previous career best of 55. In the previous season, she ended ranked at an impressive third place.
She is currently the top-ranked player in doubles, competing alongside Coco Gauff. She beat Gauff in the semifinals to secure her spot in today’s match.
The WTA Finals took place at a stadium that was still under construction and the hard court was not yet installed. The venue was a temporary structure that was hastily built on the grounds of a fancy hotel resort. Unfortunately, the players were not happy that it was not completed until the day before the tournament started on Saturday morning.
Ons Jabeur expressed dissatisfaction with starting our stadium session on the first day. She emphasized the significance of this event and believed that we should have been prepared to play on the court. She hopes that such a situation will not occur in the future.
Please find the complete article below for your reference.
Source: theguardian.com
