“I had chances at the US Open": Jessica Pegula’s shot at redemption against Sabalenka in Miami Open final

American tennis player Jessica Pegula is gearing up for her rematch against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the Miami Open final. The 31-year-old will look to correct past mistakes, such as in the 2024 US Open final, in order to finally overcome the Belarusian.

The world No. 4 reached her first Miami Open final after defeating rising star Alexandra Eala 7-6(3), 5-7, 6-2. The 19-year-old Filipino had already knocked out several top WTA players, including Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Iga Swiatek. It was a tight match for Pegula, but she managed to prevail with composure.

The American praised Eala, stating, “She’s a really good tennis player, goes for her shots, takes the ball early … competes really well, she’s beaten a lot of top players this week,” after their semifinal clash.

However, Pegula's biggest challenge in the tournament will be facing world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who is aiming for her first Miami Open title. Both players are experienced in these high-stakes matches, having met in two previous finals: the 2024 Cincinnati Open and the 2024 US Open. On both occasions, Sabalenka won in straight sets.

Looking ahead to the final, Pegula highlighted the need to avoid repeating the mistakes she made in the US Open final, where she was close to forcing a third set but let her lead slip. “I had chances at the US Open, up 5-3 in that second set. Who knows what would have happened there.” That match ended 7-5, 7-5, with Sabalenka claiming her third major title.

The 30-year-old Pegula expressed confidence in her game ahead of the final, particularly in her serve: “I do feel like I’m serving a little bit better. Hopefully, I can serve well Saturday. I think that’s something you have to do against her. She returns really well. I have been returning well, so I always feel like even though she’s one of the best servers in the world, I can give myself a chance maybe to break her. But she’s tough.”

Regarding Sabalenka’s current level, Pegula acknowledged: “She’s playing with a lot of confidence. She likes, I think, a little bit quicker hard courts as well, playing one-two punch, playing an aggressive game.” Their head-to-head record stands at 6-2 in favor of Aryna Sabalenka (3-2 on hard courts).