World number one Aryna Sabalenka endured a challenging defeat in the Berlin Open semi-final, losing the deciding set 6-0 to American Jessica Pegula. The match saw Pegula recover from dropping a tight second set to secure a 6-4, 6-7 (4-7), 6-0 victory, marking another instance of Sabalenka failing to win a game in a crucial final set.
Sabalenka, a Belarusian player, appeared unsettled throughout the encounter. Despite having a strong historical record against Pegula, winning five of their previous six matches, she was unable to counter Pegula's consistent flat shots and effective return of serve. This performance echoes a similar outcome at the French Open quarter-final, where Sabalenka also lost the third set 6-0 after squandering a lead.
The match saw a brief interruption due to rain in the second set, with Pegula leading 3-1 in the tie-break after fighting back from 5-2 down. Upon resumption, Sabalenka managed to win six of the next seven points to force a deciding set. However, Pegula subsequently dominated, preventing Sabalenka from registering a single game.
Statistical analysis of the match highlighted Sabalenka's struggles, with 41 unforced errors compared to Pegula's 25. Additionally, Sabalenka served nine double faults and maintained a first-serve percentage of just 62%, factors that significantly hindered her performance. Pegula, 32, expressed her composed approach to the game, stating, "I don't get super emotional. Honestly, it feels like a waste of energy to me. I just try to be myself."
Looking ahead, Sabalenka remains among the favourites for Wimbledon, which commences on 29 June. However, her record on grass courts against top-10 players remains a concern, with only one victory in five attempts. Jessica Pegula will now progress to face Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic in the Berlin Open final, after Noskova defeated Alexandra Eala 6-2, 6-4 in her semi-final.