Finalist last year, Pegula packs her bags as early as the third round in Cincinnati

Jessica Pegula continues her poor run during this North American tour, exiting in the round of 16 in Cincinnati by Magda Linette (7-6, 3-6, 6-3).

The world No. 4, eliminated prematurely in Montreal where she was the defending champion, had to defend her final points this week in Ohio.

With a record of two wins for as many losses since the start of the tournaments on American soil, Pegula faced Linette, the No. 31 seed and a quarterfinalist in Miami earlier this season.

The two women were interrupted yesterday due to rain while they were at one set each (7-6, 3-6). Back on center court today, they each held their serves, but Pegula was the first to falter at 4-3. A single break was enough for Linette, who then finished the match on her serve.

This is the second victory of the Polish player over a top 5 player this season after Coco Gauff in the round of 16 in Miami. She will face Clara Tauson or Veronika Kudermetova in the next round.

Pegula, on the other hand, will lose 585 points in the WTA rankings. She will need to regain her form at the US Open with another final to defend.