For Pegula to stand any kind of chance at all -- barring a Sabalenka meltdown -- she has to solve the puzzle of how to return Sabalenka's first serve and win enough points on her own second serve. At the Cincinnati Open final, Pegula struggled to handle the slice serve out wide to her forehand. Sabalenka made good use of her first shot to outmaneuver Pegula, and when she caught a look at Pegula's second serve, she jumped all over it.
It's going to be an uphill battle for the American. In addition to Sabalenka's experience in major finals, she has a 5-2 series edge over Pegula. Pegula wasn't exactly favored against Iga Swiatek in the quarters either. Yet, here she is. If she wants to defeat Sabalenka, she can't afford to have a slow and flat start like she did on Thursday. Pegula must be ready to go from the very first point.
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