Jessica Pegula is optimistic about her Miami Open final chances against Aryna Sabalenka as the world No. 4 feels she is serving and returning better compared to the last time they played.
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On Thursday evening, the American tennis star ended Alexandra Eala's dream run in South Beach after beating the 140th-ranked wildcard 7-6 (3) 5-7 6-3.
By dismissing the 19-year-old rising star, Pegula set up her first meeting versus Sabalenka since suffering a 5-7 5-7 loss in last year's US Open final. Going into the Miami final, The world No. 4 has only two wins in eight clashes against the Belarusian tennis star.
Pegula on facing Sabalenka in the Miami final
"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," the 31-year-old said.
"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. She's playing with a lot of confidence. She likes, I think, a little bit quicker hard court, as well, playing one-two punch, playing an aggressive game."
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Half a year ago, Pegula wasn't that far away from getting only one set away from winning the US Open. But after opening a 5-3 second-set lead, the American failed to close out the second set as Sabalenka won the next four games to complete a two-set win.
Recalling that, the world No. 4 said that "I had my chances" but also wondered about "what could have happened" had she forced a decider. Also, the 31-year-old said that she would try to learn from their past matches.
Pegula's two wins over Sabalenka came in 2020 Cincinnati and the 2023 WTA Finals.
