The US Open finalist Jessica Pegula was defeated in the China Open round of 16 by Spanish player Paula Badosa.
The second-seeded American Pegula entered the WTA 1000 tournament as one of the best players on the circuit after making it to the final in New York earlier this month, where Aryna Sabalenka defeated her in straight sets.
In just over an hour, the third-ranked American in the world lost 6-4 6-0. After trailing 3-1 in the first set due to an early break, Badosa won 11 of the next 12 games, including 8 straight, to win her first match over a top-five opponent since 2022.
Badosa expressed her remarks about Pegula after the win and said: “She’s one of the players I never want to face. She’s very solid, hits very flat, and changes direction very well, so I knew it was going to be tough. Yesterday I prepared myself for a battle, but I think today everything worked pretty well.”
Badosa talked about her feelings and said: “I’m very happy. It’s my first time in the main draw. It’s very special for me lately, my results. It means a lot to me. Coming to China at the end of the season, and playing really well. I just beat a top-10 player. I’ve been chasing that result. I’m really happy to be in the QF. Another opportunity to be better in the next match and keep improving and enjoying this beautiful sport.”
Paula Badosa after beating Pegula in Beijing
“I understand this is your first experience in the main draw at the China Open. You’re in the QF.. You must be on Cloud 9…”
Paula: “I’m very happy. It’s my first time in the main draw. It’s very special for me.. lately, my results.… pic.twitter.com/qaG4zEyfmC
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 1, 2024
Badosa in Beijing, ranking, and results in 2024
LLWWWLWWWW At the moment ranked no.19, the Spaniard has managed to achieve an overall 33-16 match record in 2024. Paula is now competing in Beijing where she toppled Unknown Player bye, the world no.51 Viktoriya Tomova 6-3 6-2, the world no.61 Rebecca Sramkova 7-5 7-5 and the world no.3 Jessica Pegula 6-4 6-0.
Paula Badosa will play the world no.595 Shuai Zhang in the quarter. They have never played each other as of now in top events.
Badosa clinched 1 title in 2024 in Washington.
Badosa won 4 titles in her career: 3 on hard courts and 1 on clay courts. (See the list of her titles)
Jessica Pegula in 2024
LLLWLWWLWW Now the world no.3 (career-high), Pegula played her last match on the 1st of October when she lost to world no.19 Paula Badosa 6-4 6-0 in the 4th round in Beijing (draw).
This season Jessica has an overall 38-13 record. The American clinched 2 titles in 2024 in Berlin and Toronto. Pegula was the finalist in Cincinnati and U.S. Open.
Paula Badosa and Jessica Pegula squared off 4 times. Their current record is 3-1 for Pegula. Previously, the last time they squared off, Paula Badosa won 6-4 6-0 in the 4th round in Beijing (China Open) on the 1st of October 2024.
In the video below you can watch the highlights.
