By Sam Jones | @Tennis_Now | Saturday, March 1, 2025
Top-seeded Jessica Pegula tamed a tough Ajla Tomljanovic 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 advancing to her second final of the season in Austin.
Photo credit: Getty for United Cup Facebook
Playing on home soil, Jessica Pegula continues to grow her game.
The top-seeded Pegula tamed tricky conditions and a tough Ajla Tomljanovic 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 advancing to her second final of the season on Austin's hard court at the ATX Open today.
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US Open finalist Pegula has now reached finals in her last four North American tournaments: Austin, 2024 US Open, 2024 Cincinnati and 2024 Toronto.
Today, Pegula exploited 11 double faults from the Aussie and converted seven of 16 break points in a one hour, 58-minutes.
It is Pegula's 16th final and second of the year after her runner-up finish to buddy Madison Keys at the Adelaide International in January.
"We were a little hit or miss with our serves today," Pegula said afterward. "It was pretty hot today, the ball was kind of flying, but once I started serving a little more consistent, smarter...
"Every final is new ... being the first time I've played here, being in the U.S., I like doing well and I always want to show that I'm one of the best Americans, one of the best players in the world, so being able to do that on home soil is always special."
The top-seeded Pegula will face compatriot Mccartney Kessler in tomorrow's final.
Kessler has been having an excellent season that featured her second career title in Hobart and wins over Amanda Anisimova and Coco Gauff in Duba. The former Florida Gator is 14-5 on the season.
Fifth-seeded Kessler defeated 27-year-old Belgian Greet Minnen 7-5, 6-4.