“I’m still hungry for more.” This is how Amanda Anisimova challenged Jessica Pegula for their upcoming final at the Canadian Open 2024. The WTA pro took down America’s Emma Navarro to secure a position in the first-ever WTA 1000 final of her career so far. However, the aura makes it seem like she’s well-experienced with countless pressure matches. Pegula on the other side, looks forward to extending her win streak at the Canadian Open after an enormous back in 2023. While her quest for the title defense has traveled a long way, she’s just one step behind clinching a massive victory. But who among the two is more likely to win? Here are the odds.

Jessica Pegula vs Amanda Anisimova: Preview

Pegula keeps her title defense strong at the National Bank Open. She took down Diana Schnaider 6-4, 6-3 in the process of coming back from a 2-5 deficit in the second set. Her career record at this event is now 15-2. Pegula reached the semifinals in her last four main draw appearances and won last year’s title by defeating big names like Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek, in QFs and SFs respectively.

She skipped most of the clay-court season but won the Berlin WTA 500 before struggling at Wimbledon and the Olympics. Pegula’s ability to handle pressure is the reason behind her notable success in this event.

Anisimova, on the other side, is also having a great run in Toronto. After reaching the quarterfinals in Washington, D.C., she made it to the semifinals here by beating world No. 3 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 6-2—her first top-10 win in two years. She then defeated Emma Navarro to reach the finals.

Anisimova finished her 2022 season at the US Open and took a break in April 2023, starting this event ranked 176th. She’s now won four matches in Toronto without losing a set, including wins over Caroline Dolehide and Daria Kasatkina. Her performance shows she’s back to playing at a high level.

Pegula vs Anisimova: Head-to-head

The head-to-head stats between Pegula and Anisimova remain on the heavier side for the former. In a total of two matches played against each other, Pegula managed to secure wins in both of them, boasting a remarkable 2-0 score against her compatriot.

Their most recent showdown was at the WTA Charleston in April where Pegula secured a hard-fought victory over Anisimova with a final scoreline of 3-6, 6-4, 7-6. This came nearly four years after their maiden clash in 2020 where Pegula won 7-5, 6-2 in Cincinnati.

Prediction: Pegula to win in straight sets

Anisimova and Pegula both have upsides and downsides heading into this final. Anisimova has battled through a tough lineup of top-20 players to reach her first WTA 1000 final. Although she dropped her first set of the week against Navarro in the semifinals, her powerful groundstrokes have kept her opponents behind the baseline. However, her serve was noted to be inconsistent with a few double faults.

On the other hand, Pegula might not have the power of Elena Rybakina or the grip of Swiatek, Sabalenka, and Gauff. Instead, she has developed herself into a commendable all-around player who boasts flat, precise groundstrokes with a perfect blend of quick reflexes. Magda Linette praised her timing and ability to read the game, saying, “The timing she has and the power she generates because of it is special. She’s extremely talented and smart on the court.”

Pegula’s recent form at the hard court event has been remarkable. Her commendable victory over Diana Shnaider extended her winning streak at the Canadian Open to nine matches. Pegula’s clean hitting is expected to be crucial as she aims to defend her WTA 1000 title. Although Anisimova’s power might pose a challenge against Pegula, the 30-year-old’s experience would give her the edge to win this showdown in straight sets.