Pegula: Hoping to win more matches in clashes against Sabalenka

On November 4th local time, in the second round of the 2025 Riyadh WTA Finals Graff Group singles, fifth seed Pegula was narrowly defeated by world number one Sabalenka in three sets, 4-6, 6-2, 3-6, missing the chance for back-to-back group wins.

Pegula

After the match, Pegula felt disappointed about the loss once again. She had taken an early break advantage in the final set but failed to hold it. This match updated their head-to-head record to 3 wins and 9 losses in favor of Sabalenka. The last three encounters between them all went to three sets and were highly dramatic. "I think our matches are always exciting and memorable. I just wish I could win a few more... Even my coaches say, 'Every time you two face off, it seems to raise each other's level to a really high standard.'"

Pegula continued, "So, do you think I like losing? Of course not. But I think looking back ten years from now, having so many memorable battles with her is pretty cool. I just hope I can win a few more matches. I felt she got fired up and played extremely well. When she starts getting fired up, shouting 'Come on' or yelling out loud, it basically means you've brought out another level in her. At those moments, I usually just try to give my all, but today luck wasn’t on my side and she certainly played very well."

However, Pegula does not have much time to dwell on this loss. Currently, with one win and one loss in the group stage and a deficit in set difference, she is in third place. To advance from the group, she must win her final round match against eighth seed Paolini. If Sabalenka can defeat Gauff, Pegula’s chances of progressing will improve further.

“I know that to keep going in this tournament, I have to win the last match, which definitely brings some mental pressure.” Although Pegula leads in their head-to-head record against Paolini, their most recent encounter was in the Shenzhen Billie Jean King Cup final, where Paolini won in straight sets and helped Italy successfully defend the title. Pegula said, “She beat me last time, so I’ll definitely try to make some adjustments. I think that’s crucial. I need to think about what I can do differently compared to last time.”

(Text and editing: Dato; Images: Visual China)