Jessica Pegula expresses her frustration on critics ignoring her strength as she ‘overpowers’ Aryna Sabalenka to reach the semis at WTA Finals 2023

The 5th seed feels she is underestimated in terms of power.

Jessica Pegula expresses her frustration on critics ignoring her strength as she ‘overpowers’ Aryna Sabalenka to reach the semis at WTA Finals 2023

Jessica Pegula lifting the Korean Open trophy (Image via @JPegula/X)

Jessica Pegula reached the semifinals of the WTA Finals in Cancun on Wednesday after defeating Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3. After the win the American expressed her frustration with the critics who ignore her strength, saying that she hits “really hard” and fails to understand why people say otherwise.

The world no.5 has been one of the most consistent players on the WTA tour in recent years, reaching the quarterfinals of the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year. However, she has yet to win a Major title.

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However, the six-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist feels she is underestimated in terms of power. She shared that her flatter-hitting style is often overlooked when in comparison to a style of someone like Sabalenka’s. Pegula is especially frustrated with the commentators who argue that she does not hit the ball that aggressively.

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Although Pegula has been criticized for her powerstrokes, this win over Sabalenka proves that she is one of the hardest hitters on the tour. 

I hit hard, people don’t seem to think I hit hard, like commentators. Seriously, I don’t know why they say that. Maybe because it looks like I’m not? I hit flatter, I don’t hit as heavy as maybe as Aryna, but I hit hard.
Jessica Pegula via Tennis Channel

Pegula will have another chance to show off her effortless power when she faces Maria Sakkari in her last group stage match on Thursday.

Jessica Pegula defeats Aryna Sabalenka at the WTA Finals

Jessica Pegula stunned World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 6-3 on Tuesday to advance to the semifinals of the WTA Finals in Cancun. Pegula came into the match with a 1-4 record against Sabalenka, but she played aggressively from the start and never looked back. She was able to absorb Sabalenka’s strong serve and lengthen rallies.

Jessica Pegula
Jessica Pegula (Credits: Tennis.com)

Sabalenka had complained about the courts recently, stating that she didn’t feel safe playing on that surface. She committed 29 unforced errors during the course of the match.

Pegula took a 4-0 lead in the second set. However, the Belarusian chased her down by breaking her serve to make the scoreline 5-3. After 7 match points, Pegula finally took the opportunity to knock the top seed down.

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