Pegula outlasts Alexandrova to reach Charleston final

Pegula had fallen at the semi-final hurdle in Charleston in the last two years but dug deep to earn a 6-2 2-6 7-5 win over Alexandrova in two hours and 20 minutes to go one better.

Having cruised through the first set after winning the first five games, the American was unable to maintain that momentum as Alexandrova levelled the score with a four-game winning streak.

Pegula twice came back from a break down in the decider, and after finally taking the lead at 6-5, she converted match point on her second attempt.

"It's been the same kind of storyline in the past when I've played her," Pegula said after her win.

"Played a good first set, she comes back in the second, and then, usually, I tend to lose the third. So glad I was able to flip that script today."

Pegula will face Sofia Kenin in Sunday's final, the first all-American affair at that stage in Charleston since Martina Navratilova beat Jennifer Capriati in the 1990 showpiece.

Smile if you are playing in the Sunday final! @JPegula | #CharlestonOpen pic.twitter.com/fmoKrf4MiM

— wta (@WTA) April 5, 2025

Kenin advanced to the final when number eight seed Amanda Anisimova retired from their match due to a right hip injury.

The 2020 Australian Open champion had been leading 5-2 in the first set when Anisimova stopped play.

"I'm feeling very good with the level I’ve played throughout the week," Kenin said.

"It's unfortunate that Amanda had to retire; I wish her a speedy recovery. She's had a great year, and I just wish her the best."

Pegula was dominant in the early stages of Saturday's match, and when she reached 5-0 in the first set, she was on a 14-game winning streak that began in the second half of her quarter-final win.

When the momentum shifted, Anisimova's power won out, and she hit 14 winners to Pegula's two in the second set to force the decider.

The breaks of serve eventually told the difference though.