American Jessica Pegula captures first career women’s singles title at Citi Open

WASHINGTON — Prior to stepping foot on Stadium Court Sunday for the final match of the 2019 Citi Open, Jessica Pegula had been largely overshadowed by American counterparts with higher seeds and bigger fan bases. 

Record-breaking crowds flocked to the the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Rock Creek Park to see teenage sensation Coco Gauff in action for the first time since her fairy tale Wimbledon run while 2017 U.S. Open stars Sloane Stephens and Madison Keys also attracted attention. 

But it was 25-year-old Pegula who emerged victorious after a dominant performance over world No. 62 Camila Giorgi resulted in the American’s first career WTA singles crown.

With aggressive play, a strong backhand and an 81% win percentage on first serve, Pegula took only 59 minutes to down her Italian opponent. Her final serve zipped past Giorgi at 108 miles per hour and sealed the 6-2, 6-2 win. 

Jessica Pegula reacts during the Citi Open. (Photo: Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports)

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“(Giorgi) plays so fast and quick. I didn’t want to let her dictate the points, so I just tried to really use my legs, be ready for every single shot to come back fast and hard,” Pegula said after the match. “It was definitely part of my game plan to not give her much time to think out there and not let her get into her timing.” 

The Citi Open marks only the second WTA final Pegula has played in since turning pro seven years ago. Her world ranking is expected to jump from 79 to a career-high 54 going into the U.S. Open. 

After the match, Pegula celebrated on the court with Maddie, her miniature Australian shepard (who sported an official “Canine champion” credential complete with a pink pawprint), and got a shoutout from the Buffalo Bills. Terrence and Kim Pegula, Jessica’s parents, own the NFL team as well as the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres. 

Congrats to @JLPegula on winning the @CitiOpen! ?? https://t.co/emBKfZ9RxF

As tennis fans turn their attention to younger players like Gauff and Caty McNally for an indication of who might emerge as the next star to carry on the American legacy, Pegula says she doesn't mind flying under the radar.

“This is a great confidence booster for sure just in general," she said. "Hopefully I can take the momentum and keep riding it. … This (win) definitely helps. It gives me a lot of confidence, especially going into a few big tournaments the next few weeks.” 

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