Ostapenko saves three match points to upset Pegula at Wuhan Open

Jelena Ostapenko secured a significant victory at the Dongfeng • Voyah Wuhan Open, defeating No. 2 seed Jessica Pegula in three sets. The match, which lasted 2 hours and 23 minutes, ended with a score of 2-6, 7-6(7), 6-3. Ostapenko saved three match points during the second-set tiebreak to complete the upset.

Match Dynamics and Comeback

According to wtatennis.com, Ostapenko struggled in the first set, committing 11 unforced errors and winning only two points in rallies exceeding four shots. Pegula maintained control early in the second set, breaking for a 3-2 lead. At this juncture, Ostapenko took a medical timeout and returned to the court with her right arm heavily strapped.

"I had a lot of pain in my arm, then I took a painkiller and then I was fighting for every single point," Ostapenko said in her on-court interview.

Despite Pegula's strategy, Ostapenko improved her form as the second set progressed. In the tiebreak, Pegula held three match points. Ostapenko saved the first when Pegula netted a volley, saved the second with a service winner, and saved the third with a drop shot. This was the only drop shot Ostapenko attempted during the match.

"Honestly I don't even want to think what I was thinking, because I think I was not thinking anything," Ostapenko said regarding the match point save. "I was just in the moment. I think I play the best when I go by my -- it's funny to say, but with my instincts, with my feelings. I think you don't really have to think what you are doing. Just be in the moment and play tennis."

Pegula's Return and Statistics

This match marked Jessica Pegula's first appearance in more than a month. According to abcnews.com, Pegula had taken an extended break after losing in the U.S. Open semifinals, missing events in Singapore and Beijing due to the physical toll of her summer schedule. Pegula was the runner-up in Wuhan in 2025.

For Ostapenko, the victory represents her third Top 10 win of 2026 and the 28th of her career. It is also her first win against a Top 5 opponent since defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the Stuttgart final last year. Ostapenko finished the match with 46 winners, including 10 aces, and 37 unforced errors, including 11 double faults.

This is the seventh time Ostapenko has won a WTA main draw match from match point down. It ties for the most match points she has saved en route to a victory, having also saved three in the 2019 Linz semifinal.

Other Results

In other second-round action at the Wuhan Open, Iga Swiatek defeated Magdalena Frech 6-2, 6-1. Swiatek, seeded No. 7, dropped her first service game but won the next six games to take the first set. She will next face either Ashlyn Krueger or Lanlana Tararudee.

Additional results include:

• No. 5 Elina Svitolina defeated Liudmila Samsonova 6-2, 5-7, 6-2.
• No. 170-ranked Sonay Kartal upset No. 9 seed Belinda Bencic 6-0, 7-5.
• Sixth-seeded Karolina Muchova beat Caty McNally 3-6, 7-6 (1), 7-6 (4).

Why it matters

The result highlights Ostapenko's resilience and ability to perform under pressure, particularly after a difficult start to the match and a recent injury scare. For Pegula, the loss marks a challenging return to competition after a month-long break, ending her run as the previous year's runner-up. Ostapenko advances to the third round, where she will face either Leylah Fernandez or qualifier Shi Han.

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Sources

• wtatennis.com: 'In the moment' Ostapenko saves three match points, stuns Pegula in Wuhan
• abcnews.com: Pegula wastes 3 match points in last-32 loss to Ostapenko in Wuhan after month off - ABC News

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.