Jessica Pegula overpowers Liudmila Samsonova to clinch Montreal Open crown | Tennis News

NEW DELHI: Jessica Pegula showcased her dominance as she powered past a fatigued Liudmila Samsonova, securing her second WTA 1000 title at the Montreal Open on Sunday.

The 29-year-old American, ranked third in the world, completely controlled the match from start to finish, recording a swift and decisive 6-1, 6-0 victory in a remarkably short 49 minutes.
Samsonova, seeded fifteenth, displayed her resilience by reaching the final after a grueling three-set semi-final earlier on Sunday, a match that was carried over from Saturday due to heavy rain. However, the demanding task of playing two matches in one day proved too challenging for Samsonova, especially against the determined Pegula, who was eager to claim her second elite WTA title following her triumph in Guadalajara the previous year.

Pegula, who had reached the quarter-finals at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon earlier in the same year, swiftly found her rhythm, securing an early break in the opening set to take a 3-1 lead. She continued her commanding performance, going up 4-1 with a spectacular crosscourt forehand. Samsonova, visibly fatigued, was broken once again in the sixth game, leaving Pegula with the opportunity to serve for the set.
With precision, Pegula unleashed an ace to set up a set point, and she closed out the set with yet another powerful ace.
Samsonova’s struggles persisted into the second set, as she gifted Pegula a break in the opening game with a double fault.
From that point forward, it was a matter of how swiftly Pegula could secure her victory, and she showed no intention of prolonging the second set.

An impressive backhand crosscourt volley helped her secure another break for a 3-0 lead, and she went on to claim three more consecutive games, ultimately sealing a resounding and emphatic win.