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BEIJING — Jessica Pegula became the third American to reach the semifinals of the China Open after rallying to beat compatriot Emma Navarro on Friday.
The fifth-seeded Pegula wasted six set points in the opener but dominated the next two sets to triumph 6-7 (2), 6-2, 6-1.
“I told myself not to get too frustrated,” Pegula said. “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 next faces Linda Noskova, who eased past Britain’s Sonay Kartal 6-3, 6-4. The 20-year-old Noskova became the youngest Czech player to reach a WTA 1000 semifinal since the format was introduced in 2009.
The other semifinal pits defending champion Coco Gauff against third-seeded Amanda Anisimova in an all-American encounter.
Jessica Pegula has advanced to the semifinals of the 2025 China Open, marking another milestone in her impressive season and making her only the third American woman to reach this stage of the prestigious WTA 1000 event in Beijing.
Pegula delivered a commanding performance in her quarterfinal match, defeating her opponent in straight sets with her trademark consistency and tactical brilliance. Her precise baseline play, combined with aggressive returning, allowed her to dominate key rallies and maintain control throughout the contest.
The 30-year-old American has been one of the most reliable performers on tour this year, steadily climbing the rankings with deep runs in major tournaments. Her success in Beijing underscores her adaptability across surfaces and her growing reputation as one of the most complete players in the women’s game.
With this victory, Pegula joins an elite group of American women who have reached the China Open semifinals, following in the footsteps of Serena Williams and Sofia Kenin. Her achievement reflects the continued resurgence of American women’s tennis on the global stage, with several U.S. players making notable breakthroughs in recent seasons.
Speaking after the match, Pegula expressed her excitement about reaching the final four and credited her focus and preparation for her success. “It’s always special to play well at such a big tournament,” she said. “The level here is really high, so I’m happy with how I managed to stay composed and execute my game plan.”
Pegula will now turn her attention to the semifinals, where she faces another tough opponent in her bid to reach the championship match. A title in Beijing would be one of the biggest victories of her career and a significant boost ahead of the WTA Finals.
As the season enters its final stretch, Pegula’s consistent form and competitive mindset make her a strong contender in every event she enters. Her latest performance at the China Open is not only a testament to her hard work and maturity but also a reminder of why she remains one of the most respected players on tour.
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