American tennis player Jessica Pegula is just one match away from retaining her Charleston Open title after winning another three-set match, this time against compatriot Iva Jovic in the semifinals.
The 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 victory over Jovic was Pegula's fourth consecutive three-set victory, advancing her to her second straight final in Charleston, where she will defend her title against first-time finalist Yulia Starodubtseva.
"Sometimes I'm really tired and for some reason, that actually makes me more focused on playing tennis instead of being frustrated or worried," Pegula said after the match, as quoted by the WTA.
"It sounds terrible. I think I'm being too negative. But sometimes I get a little emotional and that makes me play more freely."
"But yeah, I kept fighting there. It was tough. I had to make a lot of adjustments. It didn't look great at times, but I think it all comes down to competition and maybe playing better on the important points," said the top seed.
The result also improved Pegula's record to 10-1 in three-set matches this season, and gave her her 23rd win of 2026, tying Aryna Sabalenka for the most wins at the WTA Tour level this year.
In a semifinal match with numerous momentum swings, Jovic and Pegula combined for only eight of their 30 break point opportunities. Ultimately, it all came down to who could handle the crucial moments.
After winning the first game without dropping a point, Jovic broke on his first opportunity to go up 2-0 as part of a fast start in which he won nine of the first 10 points.
