Pegula downs Paolini at WTA Finals to close in on semi-finals

Jessica Pegula all but secured her place in the semifinals of the season-ending WTA Finals with a breezy 6-2 6-3 win over the already-eliminated Jasmine Paolini in their final group stage match on Thursday.

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Pegula remains in pole position and she said she would begin planning for her next opponent very soon.

"I guess it just depends on the next person that I play," Pegula said.

"We're going to be really happy with today, for the rest of the day and maybe for most of the night, and then we're going to have to switch strategies a little bit because it’s a quick turnaround now.

"We'll be ready for the next opponent."

The inform Elena Rybakina and Pegula's American compatriot Amanda Anisimova have already qualified for the semifinals from the Serena Williams group, with both looking to claim a maiden title in the tournament.

Pegula gained the upper hand, winning five out of the first six games after Paolini faltered on her serve early at the King Saud University Sports Arena in Riyadh, before the 2023 runner-up took the opening set, giving her Italian opponent no chance.