WTA

Pegula victorious in injury comeback at Libema Open

By Sports Desk June 11, 2024

Jessica Pegula eased past Aliaksandra Sasnovich in straight sets on her return from injury at the Libema Open on Tuesday.

The American pulled out of the French Open due to back and neck injuries that have kept her out since April but made her return with a 6-2, 6-2 win in just 58 minutes.

Sasnovich matched Pegula in the opening four games, with both players trading points, but the world number five soon gained her foothold to cruise through the rest of the first set.

Pegula remained in control in the second, despite Sasnovich's late attempt at a comeback, but the Belarusian could not do enough to stop the top seed from advancing.

Pegula will now face Aleksandra Krunic or Jessika Ponchet in the next round. 

Data Debrief: Pegula puts injury worries behind her

Pegula last played in America's Billie Jean King Cup victory in April, but she showed no signs of rustiness on her return to the court.

She showed no signs of rustiness though, hitting nine winners and just six unforced errors on her way to sealing her victory. 

Related items

  • France doing 'all they can' to ensure Mbappe can play against the Netherlands France doing 'all they can' to ensure Mbappe can play against the Netherlands

    Didier Deschamps says "everything is going in the right direction" when it comes to Kylian Mbappe's fitness.

    Mbappe sustained a broken nose during France's 1-0 win over Austria on Monday, casting his participation in the rest of Les Bleus' Euro 2024 campaign into doubt.

    However, in a positive move, the 25-year-old returned to light training, while wearing a protective bandage, on Wednesday.

    And ahead of France's clash with the Netherlands, Deschamps was optimistic that his captain will be available.

    "Everything is going in the right direction after this major shock he had, with the consequences, of course," Deschamps said on Thursday.

    "Yesterday, as you could see, he was able to go out and do some activity. That will be the case tonight too.

    "So it has evolved in the right direction. We'll do everything we can to ensure that he can be available tomorrow."

    If he indeed does play in Leipzig, then Mbappe will have to wear a protective mask.

    Deschamps added: "Kylian will be wearing a mask yes, you don't really need to know the details about this mask."

    Antoine Griezmann joined Deschamps in offering a positive update.

    "Kylian is doing very well, his nose has deflated a little. We will see until the last moment, depending on his feelings," Griezmann said.

    Mbappe had four shots without scoring in their 1-0 win over Austria, taking his total to 18 attempts without scoring at the Euros, the most of any Frenchman since 1980. By contrast, at the World Cup he has scored 12 goals in 14 matches with a 31% shot conversion rate.

    He will surely be extra eager to return to action given his record against the Dutch.

    The Netherlands are Mbappe's favourite opponent – he has scored six goals in five matches against them, more than against any other side in his international career with France. In fact, his first ever goal for Les Bleus came against the Netherlands in August 2017.

  • Defending champion Alcaraz stunned by Draper at Queen's Defending champion Alcaraz stunned by Draper at Queen's

    Jack Draper earned the biggest win of his career, upsetting defending Queen's Club champion Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets on Thursday.

    He followed up his first ATP tour title in Stuttgart with a statement win, beating the French Open winner 7-6 (7-3) 6-3.

    He did not lose a service game in a dominant display, though Alcaraz did not lose one in the opening set either, forcing a tie-break before his sloppiness allowed Draper to edge in front.

    Despite Alcaraz bringing his usual threat, Draper got a vital break to make it 4-2 in the second set, rallying to see out a third victory against top-10 opposition.

    Draper will play fifth seed Tommy Paul in the quarter-finals.

    Data Debrief: Alcaraz sees streak snapped

    Alcaraz had won eight consecutive matches coming into this meeting thanks to his victory at Roland Garros, but could not find a way past Draper.

    The British number one impressed, especially in his serves, winning 76 per cent of his service points during the one hour 39 minute contest.

     

  • Sinner rallies to reach Halle Open quarter-finals Sinner rallies to reach Halle Open quarter-finals

    Jannik Sinner survived a scare to reach the quarter-finals of the Halle Open after beating Fabian Marozsan on Thursday.

    After having to go all the way in the opening round, Sinner was once again forced into a decider but eventually came out on top 6-4 6-7 (4-7) 6-3.

    It looked like it might be an easier match for Sinner after he took the first set, but Marozsan rallied in the second. The world number one was able to force a tie-break, but he could not get the better of the Hungarian's aggressive play.

    Sinner did get a decisive break in the decider though, lunging to the net to get a vital point as he rushed into a 4-0 lead before holding out to reach the next round.

    Data Debrief: Sinner stays in the hunt

    Sinner is still chasing his first grass-court title, and looks like he will be pushed all the way to get one in Germany.

    He has improved his record for the season to 35-3 after beating Marozsan in their first ATP meeting.

© 2023 SportsMaxTV All Rights Reserved.