“Making another WTA 1000 final is huge” – Pegula ready for Sabalenka clash in Miami
The American, through to her first final in Miami, has won two of her six previous clashes against Sabalenka
Jessia Pegula, Miami 2025
American Jessica Pegula had to dig deep to reach her first WTA Miami Open final on Thursday evening. Playing her third semi-final at the Hard Rock Stadium in the last four years, the world No 4 overcame a second set fight back from 19-year-old Filipino Alexandra Eala to win 7-6, 5-7, 6-3 to reach her sixth WTA 1000-level final, something she is proud of and described as ‘huge’.
“I’m also really proud that I can put myself up there with one of the best hardcourt players in the world (Aryna Sabalenka). Making another final of a 1000 is huge,” Pegula told the media after her win.
“Just super excited to where I put myself at the beginning of the year, and I have always felt like I could win this tournament. I have always had really good results, always gone deep. Sometimes at tournaments you have that feeling, and this has always been one of them. I’m happy I’m able to give myself a chance on Saturday.”
I think Sabalenka’s just a little bit better than me, results-wise, winning Australia, winning US Open, beating me Cincy, US Open.
Pegula, who holds a 3-2 record in previous WTA 1000 finals, will take on world No 1 Sabalenka for the title. The Belarusian holds a 6-2 edge in the head-to-head between the players, including wins in both their clashes last year.
“I think she’s just a little bit better than me, results-wise, winning Australia, winning US Open, beating me Cincy, US Open. It’s going to be tough. Hopefully I can get the better of her here,” Pegula said.
The American is hoping she will be able to learn from those recent losses and get some revenge over Sabalenka.
“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,” Pegula 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. I had chances at the US Open, up 5-3 in that second set. Who knows what would have happened there. I definitely know I’ll get some chances if I play some good tennis hopefully, and I will try to do my best of trying to take advantage of that, and, you know, learning from the last couple of matches.”
