For the first time in her bright and promising career, she has qualified for the WTA Finals.
The 22-year-old athlete has secured her sixth win of the year and 17th overall, solidifying her position as the year-end No 1 for the second consecutive season. This upcoming week will also mark her 76th week at the top, ranking her as the 10th player with the most weeks at No 1 in history.
Pegula, the fifth seed, had arrived in her first final at the WTA Finals in brilliant form of her own, having dismantled all four opponents en route to the final. Her 2-1 record against Swiatek this year further demonstrated her growth. When Swiatek is in full flow, though, almost nobody in the world can live with her.
At the start, the Pole dominated Pegula with her powerful and forceful shots. Her aggressive topspin forehand continuously broke down Pegula’s defense. Swiatek’s quickness and physical ability gave her an advantage in longer rallies, and she returned serves impressively, dismantling Pegula’s serve.
She has performed well in their previous confrontations. Swiatek has emerged victorious in five out of their eight meetings, while Pegula has won two out of three times this year.
describes her game:
Although Pegula’s game may lack the flamboyance or dynamism of other top players, it is well-built and solid. Her technique off both groundstrokes is clean, efficient and smooth, which she pairs with contained, intelligent attacking tennis.
Pegula is a unique exception in a sport that typically favors young athletes. Unlike most, she only achieved a top 100 ranking at the age of 25. However, in 2021 she surpassed her previous career high of 55 and ended the season ranked 18th. In the previous season, she had finished third overall.
She currently holds the top spot in doubles, as she partners with Coco Gauff. In order to advance to today’s match, she beat Gauff in the semifinals.
The WTA Finals took place in a stadium that was still under construction and the hard court surface had not been installed yet. The venue was a temporary structure built quickly on the grounds of a fancy hotel resort. The players were unhappy that it was not completed until the day before the tournament started on Saturday morning.
“I am disappointed that our first day on the stadium was not successful,” expressed Ons Jabeur. “This is a significant event, and we should have been prepared to play on the court. I hope this situation does not occur again in the future.”
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