Jessica Pegula Wins Thriller In Miami And Fritz Is Through!
Locker Room
March 29, 2023
Jessica Pegula saved three match points to battle through to the semi-finals in action-packed Miami.
She defeated Anastasia Potapova in three sets – even after her opponent twice served for the match.
Heroic resistance from the American allowed her to win 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-2).
And that tie-break was further proof of resilient Pegula’s increasing mental strength.
Now she has achieved back-to-back semi-finals in Miami. And improving Jessica faces the most in-form player on the planet next – Elena Rybakina.
The Wimbledon champion is looking to do the “Sunshine Double” after taking Indian Wells by storm.
But Pegula is relishing the challenge ahead.
There’s a similar scenario for another American superstar, Taylor Fritz. He takes on mighty Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz at the business end of the men’s tournament.
Jessica Pegula and Taylor Fritz can both delight American fans by going deep at Wimbledon 2023!
Fritz is in fine form as usual – and downed the dangerous Dane Holger Rune 6-3, 6-4.
The showdown with Indian Wells champion Alcaraz can only strengthen Taylor’s game going into the European summer.
Two fascinating clashes involving Americans on their home soil – and we can’t wait to watch the drama unfold!
Pegula said of her Rybakina match-up: ‘I don’t mind playing her, at least in the past. Obviously she has picked up her level since then, so it’ll be a tough test.
‘I think she and Sabalenka are the ones to beat right now so it’s going to be a great match and a deserved semi for a tournament like this.’
Meanwhile Fritz has climbed to sixth in the ATP race to Turin and has plenty left in the tank to face world number one Alcaraz.
He explained: ‘It was nice to feel like I had a bit more time. When I had the chances to be aggressive, I was. I think my average level of tennis is a lot higher these days.’
Taylor will need all his aggression to neutralise Alcaraz, who goes in search of that Sunshine Double just like Rybakina.
We can’t wait to welcome Jessica Pegula, Taylor Fritz, Carlos Alcaraz and Elena Rybakina to Wimbledon 2023!
What a tournament it promises to be at the All England Club. And Miami is already proving to be a delicious appetiser.