![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-08-14T031313Z_1482358414_MT1USATODAY16561492_RTRMADP_3_TENNIS-NATIONAL-BANK-OPEN.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
Aug 13, 2021; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Jessica Pegula from USA hits a shot against Ons Jabeur from Tunisia (not pictured) during the quarterfinals at Stade IGA. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-08-14T031313Z_1482358414_MT1USATODAY16561492_RTRMADP_3_TENNIS-NATIONAL-BANK-OPEN.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
Aug 13, 2021; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Jessica Pegula from USA hits a shot against Ons Jabeur from Tunisia (not pictured) during the quarterfinals at Stade IGA. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
After all the drama and action-packed madness, it has all come down to the final two stars at the WTA Berlin Open 2024. After Anna Kalinskaya, who is having a relatively easy run in the event made her way into the finals, it all came down to one among Jessica Pegula or Coco Gauff to clinch the second spot in the finals. However, after the main was postponed to the next day, Pegula had the last laugh and made her way into the final 2.
With the stage now set for the finals, only one among the two will be able to lay their hands on the title glory. But, who among Jessica Pegula or Anna Kalinskaya is the stronger contender to win the title in Berlin and start their grasscourt campaign with a bang?
Anna Kalinskaya vs Jessica Pegula: Preview
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Jessica Pegula has had quite an event at the WTA Berlin. Coming into the grass season after staying out of the court for a couple of months, she made her way into the Berlin Open after a troublesome second-loss defeat at the WTA Libema Open. Coming into the event, she defeated some of the hot guns like Donna Vekic, Karolina Siniakova, and even Coco Gaufff.
20TH TOP 10 WIN OF HER CAREER❗
🇺🇸 @JPegula has defeated World #2 Coco Gauff in the Berlin semifinals, 7-5 7-6, for the milestone 20th Top 10 win of her career—all of which have come since 2021. 🔥
The #5-ranked Pegula has now won 8 of her last 9 matches against Top 10 players:
— TENNIS (@Tennis) June 23, 2024
On the other hand, her opponent Anna Kalinskaya has had a relatively easy route to the finals. After defeating Nao Hibino in the first round, she did not have to make much effort to get past her next opponent Marketa Vondrousova as she had to withdraw. Then, another walkover over Aryna Sabalenka meant she made her way into the semis. However, she had to do some extra amount of work in the semis as she defeated Victoria Azarenka 6-1, 6-7, 6-1 to secure her place in the finals.
Kalinskaya vs Pegula: Head-to-head
When it comes to the head-to-head statistics between the two players, Jessica Pegula has the slightest of advantages against her opponent. They have faced each other only once and Pegula came out on top playing at home. The match came back in 2019 and was played in Washington.
In a three-set thriller, it was Pegula who came out on top and clinched the win with the scoreline of 6-3, 3-6, 6-1. With this advantage, she will now be heading into the finals with the hope of extending her lead further. But Kalinskaya will be equally determined to avenge for her loss.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Prediction: Jessica Pegula could come out on top against Anna Kalinskaya and win the title in Berlin
One thing is for certain, predicting the winner in this match would be very difficult. While Pegula, who has made her comeback after injury looks in red-hot form, rising star Anna Kalinskaya has also shown signs of threat. However, the experience that the American star has could prove to be useful for her. Additionally, her win over her dear friend Gauff could also do the trick and give her some momentum.
Jessica Pegula wins and reaches the WTA 500 Berlin final, her first final of the year
7-5 7-6 vs. Coco Gauff to get her 5th career win over a Top 2 ranked playerpic.twitter.com/XKXVtM41VU
— Mario Boccardi (@marioboc17) June 23, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
On the other hand, Kalinskaya who is eager to repeat the heroics of tennis couple Katie Boulter and Alex de Minaur has also set her sights on the title. But, with recent withdrawals against the opponents that she has faced, she looks to have more rest and could come fresh into the finals. But as things stand, Pegula could clinch the title and come out on top. What are your thoughts on this? Do let us know in the comments below!