Key Takeaways
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Pegula defeated Sorana Cirstea 6‑2 4‑6 7‑5
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The American advanced after a tense deciding set
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Cirstea pushed Pegula to the limit with aggressive play
Pegula’s strong start
Jessica Pegula opened the match with authority, breaking early and controlling rallies to secure the first set 6‑2. Her consistency from the baseline and precise serving allowed her to dictate the tempo against Sorana Cirstea.
Cirstea fights back
The Romanian responded in the second set, raising her level and forcing Pegula into longer exchanges. Cirstea’s aggressive shot‑making unsettled Pegula, and she capitalized on key points to take the set 6‑4, leveling the contest.
Deciding set drama
The final set was a tense battle, with momentum swinging between the two players. Pegula held her nerve in the closing stages, breaking late and sealing the match 7‑5. “I just tried to stay focused and not get too frustrated with the conditions,” Pegula said, reflecting on the pressure moments.
Looking ahead
This victory highlights Pegula’s resilience and ability to manage tight matches against experienced opponents. With her composure under pressure, she remains a strong contender as the Cincinnati tournament progresses.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jc7DwxvIy5c
WTA Cincinnati - Jessica Pegula's projected path
Pegula in Cincinnati, ranking, and results in 2026
Now ranked no.3 (career-high), the American achieved a 43-11 win-loss record in 2026. Jessica is now playing in Cincinnati where she bested the world no.87 Simona Waltert 6-3 6-2, the world no.28 Emma Navarro 7-5 6-2 and the world no.19 Sorana Cirstea 6-2 4-6 7-5.
Jessica Pegula will take on the world no.10 Amanda Anisimova in the quarter on Thursday at 1:00 pm on Stadium Court. The head to head is 5-0 for Pegula.
The American has won 2 titles in 2026 in Dubai and Charleston.
Pegula won 11 titles in her career: 7 on hard courts, 2 on clay courts and 2 on grass courts. (See the list of her titles)
Sorana Cirstea in 2026
Now the world no.19, Cirstea played her last match on the 19th of August when she was overcome by world no.3 Jessica Pegula 6-2 4-6 7-5 in the 4th round in Cincinnati (draw).
This year the Romanian has achieved an overall 36-13 match record. The Romanian conquered 1 title in Napoca.
Jessica Pegula and Sorana Cirstea fought against each other 4 times. Their current record is 3-1 for Pegula.
