Well Iga was far from her best today, physical and mental exhaustion caught up to her a bit after Toronto.
As she herself admitted she was low on energy as the match begun, thus the 13 total service breaks.
Still Iga should be nothing but proud of herself, she kept fighting despite not having her level or rhythm for almost 3 hours.
Iga of 5, 6 months ago would have lost in straights. Here she was still thinking and problem solving on court, trying different things.
She's staying mentally stronger in matches and finally has belief in her game and shots again.
Didn't work out but she give it her all.
So definitely lot's of positives to take away.
Great fight, and a good indicator of what needs some work before NYC.
I think tiredness made Iga a lot less patient in rallies and she at times reverted to ball bashing and trying to outhit out of frustration. Tricky windy conditions certainly didn't help the situation.
Serve let her down with untimely double faults at very key moments towards the end of sets.
If it weren't for that this match could have honestly gone either way.
Stats wise it literally came down to a few crucial points.
By the end of the match Iga actually had a higher first serve percentage and more winners.
Pegula was just better at taking her opportunities and keeping her advantage (Iga was up 3-1 in the 3rd but couldn't consolidate the break).
Pegula does have a way of frustrating opponents with her flat ball striking, and makes you keep hitting extra balls.
She's also very good at taking time away on fast hardcourt surfaces.
Something that usually Iga does to her opponents.
If you're not feeling it on the day, her solid game will definitely take advantage. And that's exactly what happened.
That said an extra day or 2 to rest before the last Grand Slam of the year is probably not a bad thing for Iga.
Proud of the way she fought despite not at her best.
Great run, on to NYC.
Jazda!
Side note as great as Pegula was at times in this match I'll be surprised if she comes out the winner.
My money is on Gauff (who at the moment is serving better than Sabalenka and Rybakina combined).
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