Korean American tennis player Jessica Pegula beat world no. 1 Aryna Sabalenka during a WTA Finals group stage match on Tuesday in Cancun, Mexico.
The 29-year-old beat Sabalenka in straight sets: 6-4, 6-3. According to BBC, Sabalenka made 33 errors during the match and couldn’t keep up with Pegula.
Pegula has won her last five matches against top-10 players. She said during her post-match interviews on Tuesday that she feels more comfortable playing against top players, CNN reports.
“I don’t think it feels like such a big deal,” she said, per the WTA and CNN. “Last year when I made top five, I think I psyched myself out a little bit – not a lot. You have a couple thoughts in your head: ‘Do I really belong at that level?’
“I was always good at beating those below me, but now you have to beat the one or two before you. I think you put a bigger emphasis on that and I think this year, I’ve not really cared.”
“I’ve had more confidence in those matches and that’s why I’ve got more top wins – in big moments. I feel that’s where I’ve improved a little bit.”
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