BERLIN, GERMANY - JUNE 23: Jessica Pegula of the United States poses with the champions trophy after defeating Anna Kalinskaya in the singles final on Day 7 of the Ecotrans Ladies Open Berlin on June 23, 2024 in Berlin, Germany (Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images)
In a jaw-dropping turn of events at the Internationaux de Strasbourg, top-seeded American Jessica Pegula appeared locked in control — then watched it slip away as Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya staged a thrilling comeback to claim victory 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. Reuters+2Tennis Majors+2
Pegula started strong, grabbing the opening set 6-4 and looking every bit the favourite. But as Kalinskaya rattled together return winners and rallied her energy, the momentum began to tilt. In the second set Pegula held a 5-4 lead — tantalisingly close to sealing the match — yet faltered and surrendered the set 6-4. From there, the script flipped. Kalinskaya dominated the third set, racing to a 3-0 lead and never letting Pegula back in. Flashscore
What this match says:
Pegula’s form looked fragile at the critical juncture. When Kalinskaya unleashed her aggression and composure, the top seed buckled.
Kalinskaya, ranked well below her opponent and with fewer big-match wins, suddenly carried the confidence of a giant-killer. She’s now 4-0 against players ranked in the Top 3 when they met her. Women’s Tennis Association
For Pegula, this raises serious questions ahead of the next stage of the season — can she recapture the calm, dominating presence of a true top seed?
The atmosphere inside the clay-court venue turned electric as fans sensed an upset in the making. Kalinskaya’s body language improved each set, her strikes sharper, her returns deeper. Pegula’s unforced errors began creeping in, and by the third, the American looked drained, vulnerable — a rare slip-in-form moment for someone barrelling toward top-ranking aspirations.
What comes next? For Kalinskaya, the quarter-final awaits and with it a chance to build on this breakthrough. She knows she can beat big names now. For Pegula, she must regroup quickly — this defeat isn’t just about one match; it’s a warning sign.
If you’d like, I can track reactions post-match (quotes, locker room vibe) and look ahead to how this impacts both player’s seasons.
