Preview: Jessica Pegula vs. Anastasia Potapova – prediction, direct duel, Wuhan Open

Jessica Pegula begins their quest for a third victory on the WTA Tour this year as they face each other Anastasia Potapova in the round of 32 of the Wuhan Open on Wednesday.

Pegula was eliminated from the China Open earlier this month Paula Badosa in straight sets 4-6, 0-6 as Potapova came from behind to defeat Katie Volynets in their last game at this tournament 5-7, 6-3, 7-5.

Game preview

© Imago

After an early exit from the China Open, Jessica Pegula continues to strive for her first tournament victory in Asia since winning the Hanna Bank Open in October last year.

On this occasion she defeated Yue Yuan in straight sets, but the American has lost in the final in two of her last three WTA events, namely the US Open final against Aryna Sabalenka.

Her last tour win came on the hard court at the National Bank Open in August with a loss Amanda Anisimova in the final, while the American has not lost an opening game on this surface in her last four tournament appearances.

Pegula's serving game worked well all year, winning 67.3 of her first serves and winning 73.2% of her first serve games.

Her powerful serve was visible to all: the American hit 162 aces in 2024, but also committed 112 double faults.

In 47 games this year, they have won more than half of their second leg games (56.8%) but less than 40% (36.9%) of their second leg games.

© Imago

After a difficult start to her opening match at the tournament, Anastasia Potapova put in a strong performance in the final two sets to advance.

The 23-year-old Russian committed 13 double faults but made up for it with a strong return game, winning 10 of her 15 break point chances.

Unforced errors were her undoing throughout the 2024 season, with Potapova committing 219 double faults with just 109 aces.

She was eliminated in the round of 32 or earlier in her last two Tour tournaments and is looking to advance beyond this round for the first time since losing to this round McCartney Kessler in the semifinals of the Tennis in the Land event in August.

So far this year, Potapova has won just over 65% (65.9%) of her first serves, while in 2024 she has won 66.3% of her service games.

A strong forehand has kept her in games, converting 42.6% of her break points and winning over 50% (54.4%) of her second return points in 2024.

tournament so far

Potapova:

Round of 64: against Katie Volynets 5-7 6-3 7-5

Head to head

Qatar Total Open (2021) – Qualification 2: Pegula wins 6-2 6-7 7-6

US Open (2021) – First Round: Pegula wins 6-2 6-2

BNP Paribas Open (2023) – Third Round: Pegula wins 3-6, 6-4, 7-5

Miami Open (2023) – Quarterfinals: Pegula wins 4-6, 6-3, 7-6

In the first meeting between these two in Qatar, Pegula emerged victorious, winning 47% of her break points and 62% of her first serves.

Later that year at Flushing Meadows, the American was dominant on serve, winning 73% of her first serves and five of her eight break point chances.

In March 2023, the young Russian committed countless errors, registered nine double faults and won 51% of her second serves, while Pegula won 61% of her second serves.

We say: Pegula wins in two sets

Despite leaving her last tournament earlier than expected, there is a lot more to like about Pegula's game than Potapova's, as the American was much cleaner overall.

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