Jessica Pegula is through to the Charleston Open final after a three-set victory over Iva Jovic. Pegula, the top seed, overcame Jovic 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 to secure her place in the championship match.
Her opponent will be Yuliia Starodubtseva, who defeated Madison Keys in the semi-final. Starodubtseva had a surprisingly easy time against Keys, winning 6-1, 6-4.
Pegula Praises Rising Star Jovic
Pegula acknowledged her semi-final opponent, Iva Jovic, as a player with a bright future. “She’s an amazing player,” Pegula said of Jovic. Pegula added, “She’s going to be a superstar for years to come.”
Pegula, currently ranked fifth, has been a top 10 player for 200 straight weeks. The match against Jovic marked Pegula’s fourth consecutive three-set match.
Starodubtseva’s Unexpected Run
Starodubtseva, ranked No. 89, is unseeded in the tournament. Her victory over Keys marked only her third career win over a top 20 player.
“I have no words,” she told the crowd following her semi-final win. “It’s a big moment for me. I just appreciate every second here right now.”
Starodubtseva has won seven of her last eight main-draw matches. She only dropped one set this week.
Financial Impact for Starodubtseva
Starodubtseva’s journey to the final has secured her $218,225. The champion will receive a record prize of $354,345.
She is projected to reach a career-best ranking of No. 53. Starodubtseva previously started a GoFundMe page to support her career and worked part-time as a tennis pro.
Starodubtseva said she’s not been home in four years due to the war in Ukraine. She hopes the money she has made will help her to see her family again.
Looking Ahead to the Final
Pegula and Starodubtseva have never faced each other on tour. Pegula has 10 career titles, while Starodubtseva has none.
“It seems like she likes the clay,” Pegula said of her foe. Pegula added, “Super crafty, seems like she’s a good athlete. She played pretty lights out today, it seems like.”
The final is scheduled for April 5 at 1 p.m.