Pegula stuns World No. 1 Sabalenka to enter semis

Aryna Sabalenka returns to Jessica Pegula on Day Three of the WTA Finals in Cancun, Mexico, on Tuesday. Pics/Getty Images

Jessica Pegula upset Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals in Cancun on Tuesday, punishing an error-strewn performance by the World No. 1 to reach the semi-finals of the season-ending tournament for the first time. World No. 5 Pegula, who had beaten Sabalenka only once before in five previous meetings, dominated her out-of-sorts Belarusian opponent from the outset to claim a 6-4, 6-3 victory.

Jessica Pegula

Pegula was assured of reaching the last four as the winner of Bacalar Group later on Tuesday after fourth seed Elena Rybakina defeated Greece's Maria Sakkari 6-0, 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/2) in the day's other game. "I feel more comfortable playing [top players] this year, I feel more confident," Pegula said after her win.

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"I don't think it feels like such a big deal. Last year when I made top five, I think I psyched myself out a little bit. You have a couple thoughts in your head - do I really belong at that level?" Sabalenka, who is one of several players who have complained about the condition of the court at this week's tournament, looked uncomfortable throughout against Pegula, finishing with 33 unforced errors and five double faults.

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