From a Slump to Awakening: Pegula Overcomes Navarro and Reaches the Semifinals of the WTA 1000 Beijing

Jessica Pegula fought a tough battle against Emma Navarro at the WTA 1000 Beijing, managing to turn the match around after a challenging first set.

The final ticket to the semifinals of the WTA 1000 Beijing was contested between two American players, Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro. A high-profile match between two top 20 players.

The world No. 7 started the match stronger, breaking serve early. But while serving at 5-4 to win the set, Pegula saw Navarro catch up. After a thrilling first set, it was Navarro, who saved six set points along the way, who took the lead.

After a controlled tie-break (7-2), Navarro gained the advantage to move closer to the semifinals. But Pegula, as she did against Marta Kostyuk in the previous round, weathered the storm.

The 2024 US Open finalist responded perfectly, pulling away decisively in the second set to logically force a decisive third set. Through persistence and experience, the 31-year-old player ultimately had the final say, though not without struggling on some of her service games.

But Pegula eventually prevailed in three sets (6-7, 6-2, 6-1 in 2 hours and 7 minutes), dominating her compatriot for the third time in as many meetings on the main tour. This victory allows her to join Linda Noskova in the semifinals. The other semifinal match will feature Coco Gauff against Amanda Anisimova.