BEIJING – Jessica Pegula became the third American to reach the China Open semifinals, after coming back to beat her compatriot Emma Navarro on Friday. The fifth seed, Pegula, squandered six set points in the first set, but dominated the next two to win 6-7 (2), 6-2 and 6-1.
I told myself not to get too frustrated. To stay calm, try to relax a bit and not try so hard to execute the game plan. That allowed me to play with more freedom.
Jessica PegulaPegula will next face Linda Noskova, who defeated Briton Sonay Kartal 6-3 and 6-4. Noskova, 20, became the youngest Czech player to reach a WTA 1000 semi-final since the format was introduced in 2009. The other semifinal will pit defending champion Coco Gauff against third seed Amanda Anisimova, in an all-American encounter.
