Charleston Open: ‘Just Tough’ Pegula survives rollercoaster to beat Begu, plays Badosa in quarters

The American lost 10 games in a row from the second set and then won the final six games of the match to emerge a 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 winner over Begu

Jessica Pegula at the WTA Charleston Open Image Credit: Zuma/ Panoramic

Haresh Ramchandani

April 6, 2023

Credit One Charleston Open •Round of 16 • completed

See draw

J. PegulavsI. Begu

American Jessica Pegula, the top seed, won a rollercoaster encounter against Romanian Irina-Camelia Begu, the No 15 seed, to advance to the last eight of the Charleston Open at the Family Circle Tennis Center on Thursday.

Pegula seemed like she had the match on her hands as she led 7-45, 4-0 before Begu won 10 games in a row to take a 4-0 lead in the final set.

However, Pegula then fought back to win six games in a row to finally emerge a 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 winner in two hours and 30 minutes.

Speaking after her win during the on-court interview, Pegula described herself as “just tough” when asked what she learnt about herself during the match.

🗣️ "I'm just tough"

@JLPegula is built different 😤#CharlestonOpen pic.twitter.com/MNy2cHbKKN
— wta (@WTA) April 6, 2023

Pegula, ranked No 3, will face Spaniard Paula Badosa, the No 12 seed, next. The pair have met only once – in Miami last year, which Pegula won when Badosa retired while trailing 4-1 in the first set.

The American won against Russian Anna Blinkova (6-2, 6-0) ahead of her victory.

Earlier in the tournament, Begu, ranked No 37, defeated Hungarian Dalma Galfi (6-1, 7-5) and American wildcard Sofia Kenin (6-1, 6-4).

Charleston WTA 500, other round of 16 results (Family Circle Tennis Center, clay, USD 780,637)