Beijing, China – Jessica Pegula became the third American to reach the semifinals of the China Open after a hard-fought victory over compatriot Emma Navarro on Friday. The fifth-seeded Pegula overcame a tense first set, which she lost 6-7 (2) after squandering six set points, but bounced back to dominate the next two sets 6-2, 6-1.
“I told myself not to get too frustrated. Just stay calm, try to relax a little bit, and not try as hard to execute the game plan. That kind of allowed me to play more free,” Pegula said.
Pegula will face Linda Noskova, who secured her spot with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Britain’s Sonay Kartal. At 20 years old, Noskova has become the youngest Czech player to reach a WTA 1000 semifinal since the format began in 2009.
The other semifinal features an all-American clash between defending champion Coco Gauff and third-seeded Amanda Anisimova, setting up a blockbuster showdown.