Pegula, Defending Champion in Canada, Keeps Hopes for a Triple Crown Alive in Montreal

Jessica Pegula made her grand return to Canada. The world No. 4, seeded third at the WTA 1000 tournament in Montreal in the absence of Aryna Sabalenka, is the current two-time defending champion of the Canadian Open.

Crowned in Montreal two years ago against Liudmila Samsonova, the American dominated her compatriot Amanda Anisimova in Toronto last year. For her opening match in Quebec this year, Pegula—who has already claimed three titles this season in Austin, Charleston, and Bad Homburg—faced Maria Sakkari.

The Greek player had regained some form in Washington last week and started her tournament strongly in the previous round against Carson Branstine (6-2, 3-6, 7-5). It was a solid opening test for the 31-year-old against an opponent she had faced for the 12th time (Pegula led 6-5 before this match).

Trailing 5-3 in the first set and forced to save four set points, Pegula regrouped before winning six consecutive games, ultimately securing victory in straight sets (7-5, 6-4 in 1 hour and 32 minutes).

Chasing an incredible Canadian triple crown, she will next face Anastasija Sevastova, who defeated Tomljanovic and Linette in her first two matches, for a spot in the round of 16.

Among other results of the day, notable qualifiers include Madison Keys (over Laura Siegemund), Emma Raducanu (who defeated Peyton Stearns), Amanda Anisimova (who overcame Lulu Sun), Jelena Ostapenko (who eliminated Renata Zarazua), and Elina Svitolina (against Kamilla Rakhimova).

Meanwhile, Elise Mertens fell to Anna Kalinskaya, while seeded players Magdalena Frech, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, and Rebecca Sramkova were all ousted in the second round by Yuliia Starodubtseva, Eva Lys, and Catherine McNally, respectively.