AMERICAN Top 10 talent Jessica Pegula has successfully defended her title at the National Bank Open, ending the run of giant-killing compatriot, Amanda Anisimova in three sets overnight. While her lower ranked opponent re-entered the Top 50 after four consecutive Top 20 wins, Pegula proved that bit too strong over the distance to get up 6-3 2-6 6-1.

With the tournament alternating with the ATP Tour’s equivalent each year between Toronto and Montreal, Pegula has now won in both locations. Despite dropping the second set, Pegula returned to form in the deciding third set, winning six of the last seven games to run out victory in an hour and 27 minutes.

“I have one in each city, so that’s one for each of you guys,” Pegula said post-match.

“To win it close to my home in Buffalo, to win in both Montreal and Toronto is really cool. My grandparents were here, my husband came in with some friends, it’s really cool, it feels kind of like my hometown tournament a little bit. But I’m glad that I have a title in both cities, that’s pretty cool.”

The victory was Pegula’s third WTA 1000 title of her career, and second National Bank Open trophy. She won in an hour and 27 minutes, serving six aces to two and winning 79.1 and 54.5 per cent of her first and second serve points. She also broke four times from 10 chances compared to only being broke twice.

Upon winning it, Pegula said she was overwhelmed with positive emotions having now won in both major Canadian cities.

“Crazy I can’t believe it, I wanted it so bad, so I’m getting emotional thinking about it now,” she said. “I’m so happy to take the title here, it’s awesome. I’m just flooded with emotions, it’s been an up and down year, but these are like happy tears, I’m so happy.”

2024 NATIONAL BANK OPEN WOMEN’S FINAL RESULT:

[3] Jessica Pegula (USA) defeated Amanda Anisimova (USA) 6-3 2-6 6-1