“Lost the Rhythm”: Camila Giorgi on Defeating Jessica Pegula and Reaching First Ever WTA 1000 Final at Omnium Banque Nationale 2021

Camila Giorgi entered her first-ever WTA 1000 final after defeating the American, Jessica Pegula, in the semifinal of the 2021 Omnium Banque Nationale. Giorgi hammered 27 winners and won 65% of the points of her first serve during the hard-fought two hours and 11 minutes battle.

With the victory, the Italian improved her head-to-head record against Pegula to 2-3. Over this week, Giorgi has defeated three Top-25 players Elise Mertens, Petra Kvitova, and Coco Gauff, and now adds Pegula, World No.30, to her list.

Read More: Naomi Osaka Vows to Donate Prize Money Towards Haiti Earthquake Victims

Camila Giorgi ready for the final

During the post-match interview, Giorgi talked about being satisfied with her performance although she admitted her level dropped in the second set.

However, the 29-year-old staged an incredible comeback in the third set, wrapping the set 6-1, which she felt proud about.

“I’m very happy, because actually today was, I think, a great match, even if the second set maybe I didn’t play my game. I lost a little bit the rhythm. But then I came back and was, I think, a third set, amazing,” Giorgi told the press.

Up next, Giorgi faces No.4 seed Karolina Pliskova in the championship’s final. Pliskova, who was this year’s Wimbledon finalist, knocked out No.1 seed Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinal.

Having played against Pliskova eight times, Giorgi expects a tough final. In terms of the duo’s head-to-head record, Pliskova leads 5-3.

“I think it’s going to be another great match. I’m just going to focus on my game, like I do as usual, then we see. It’s going to be a good match,” Giorgi said.

Watch this story: How Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, and Others Travel

The last time they played against each other was in the third round of the Tokyo Olympics, a match which Giorgi won in straight sets. Interestingly, Giorgi is the lowest-ranked Omnium Banque Nationale finalist since then-World No.80 Serena Williams won the title in 2011.

While Giori is seeking her 3rd WTA title and the biggest one of her career so far, at the other end, Pliskova eyes her 17th title. Who do you think would lift the trophy?