Jessica Pegula is rewriting the script of unpredictability in tennis, one three-set thriller at a time. But here's where it gets controversial: Is her knack for extended matches a testament to her resilience, or a sign that she’s leaving too much to chance? Let’s dive in.
In Wuhan, Pegula once again defied expectations, clinching a three-set victory to secure her spot in the quarterfinals of the Dongfeng · Voyah Wuhan Open. This marks her sixth consecutive three-set battle and her fifth win in this stretch—a trend that’s becoming her signature, whether she likes it or not. And this is the part most people miss: Pegula’s ability to thrive under pressure in these marathon matches is both her superpower and, perhaps, her Achilles’ heel.
After her 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 win over No. 9 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova, Pegula quipped, “I can’t remember the last time I played two sets.” Her humor masks a deeper truth: she’s been pushed to the limit repeatedly, facing top-tier opponents and adapting to varying conditions. In Wuhan, the closed roof threw her off initially, but she adjusted, showcasing her mental toughness and high-level play.
The match itself was a rollercoaster. Down 5-2 in the first set, Pegula staged a comeback, winning five of the next six games. A 12-shot rally capped by a blistering backhand winner at 5-5, 15-30, secured her the break she needed to take the set. In the third set, trailing 2-1, she delivered a defensive masterclass, chasing down Alexandrova’s would-be winners and sealing the deal with a forehand winner after an 18-shot rally. This sparked a four-game streak that put her firmly in control.
Pegula’s three-set habit is nothing new. She’s played a tour-leading 25 three-set matches this season, boasting a 14-11 record. Only Madison Keys has more three-set wins. But here’s the kicker: Pegula has reached the quarterfinals of WTA events 10 times this year, trailing only Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka. She’s also joined an elite club, becoming the third active player to reach the quarterfinals at all 10 WTA 1000 tournaments.
Controversial question: Is Pegula’s reliance on three-set matches sustainable, or does she need to find a way to close out matches in two sets to conserve energy for deeper tournament runs? Let us know in the comments.
Meanwhile, other players are making waves in Wuhan. Jasmine Paolini and Elena Rybakina are strengthening their WTA Finals bids, while Aryna Sabalenka remains unbeaten after a comeback win. Linda Noskova, fresh off her Beijing success, knocked out Naomi Osaka in a surprising upset.
Pegula’s journey in Wuhan continues as she faces the winner of Iva Jovic and Katerina Siniakova. Will she make it another three-set epic? One thing’s for sure: with Pegula, expect the unexpected—and maybe a little controversy along the way.
