Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the WTA Washington match.
After a surprising early elimination at Wimbledon, Jessica Pegula, currently ranked No. 4 in the WTA rankings, took a three-week break. She now returns to the court on home soil at the WTA 500 event in Washington, aiming to regain form and confidence.
Jessica Pegula
Jessica Pegula arrived at Wimbledon as one of the tournament favourites but suffered a first-round defeat to Elisabetta Cocciaretto, ranked No. 77, in straight sets (2:6, 3:6). The result was unexpected, especially coming shortly after her title win in Hamburg, where she beat world No. 3 Iga Świątek 6:4, 7:5 in the final. The loss at Wimbledon could be attributed to a fitness concern or a lapse in concentration. With time to recover, Pegula is expected to return to a level more reflective of her recent form.
Leylah Annie Fernandez
Currently ranked No. 36 in the WTA, Leylah Annie Fernandez is entering her fifth grass-court event of the season, though she has yet to progress beyond the third round in any of them. In her Washington opener, Leylah defeated Maya Joint, ranked No. 37, but that result offers little insight given the opponent’s lack of threat compared to Jessica Pegula. The opponent failed to record a single ace and was completely ineffective on return. Leylah cannot expect such leniency this time around.
Jessica Pegula vs Leylah Annie Fernandez Prediction
Pegula will be highly motivated to bounce back, and the support of the home crowd should further lift her game. In these conditions, Fernandez is unlikely to pose a serious threat. Jessica Pegula is expected to win in straight sets.
