America’s Jessica Pegula didn’t have a memorable outing at the Paris Olympics. She was defeated by Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in the second round. However, that is now a past thing! She’s now all set to take on the former world number one, Karolina Pliskova, in the R32 of the Canadian Open. Both Pegula and Pliskova have won one title each this season. Who will win this exciting matchup in Toronto?

Pegula has struggled a bit with her fitness issues this year. However, amid all these troubles she has managed to win the grass court event in Berlin and reached three SFs and one QF this year. On the other hand, apart from winning a title, Pliskova has reached one final and one SF this year. Both of them are keen to find some momentum in the North American hard court swing.

Jessica Pegula vs Karolina Pliskova: Preview

Pegula is entering this match after her 6-4,1-6,3-6 defeat to Svitolina in the second round of the Paris Olympics. JP hit 1 ace and didn’t commit a single double fault in the entire match. She won 65% of her first-serve and 43% of her second-serve, but in Pegula could only convert 3/4 of her breakpoints.

Whereas Pliskova is entering this match after her 6-4,7-6(10) victory over Nadia Podoroska in the R64 of this tournament. The Czech tennis star hit 7 aces and committed 5 double faults in the entire match. She won 70% of her first-serve and 58% of her second-serve, but could only manage to convert 3/5 breakpoints against the Argentinian.

Pegula vs Pliskova: Head-to-Head

Well, both of these tennis stars have met quite a few times in their careers, but interestingly all of the meetings have been in the year 2021. Currently, Pegula leads the H2H against Pliskova by a 4-1 margin.

• Pegula won their first encounter in the QF of the 2021 Qatar Open by 6-3,6-1.
• Then again in Dubai, she took two sets to beat Pliskova.
• In the 2021 Miami Open, Pliskova gave a tough fight, and over there the American took three sets to topple the Czech.
• Pegula then again came back with a two-set victory in Berlin in the same year.
• Their latest meeting came in the R16 of the 2021 Cincinnati Open. Here, Pliskova secured a victory against Pegula.

So, it was Pliskova who had the last laugh in their most recent meeting. Will there be a repetition of the same result here in Toronto?

Prediction: Pegula to win in straight sets

If we look at their current rankings, Pegula is ranked 6th in the world while Pliskova is ranked 45th. The American tennis star has a win-loss record of 21-11 this season compared to just 18-14 of the Czech. So, looking at their current form, stats, and results from their previous encounter, the American looks much ahead of Czech tennis player. But let’s not forget their playing style.

Pegula’s all-around game style with flat groundstrokes will be put to the test against the extremely aggressive Pliskova. JP’s power and accuracy are the main keys to her game. She can generate some real power in her forehands and backhand and can also utilize her wide wingspan to full effect. Her smart tactics may come in handy against Pliskova.

Pliskova, on the other hand, has the ability to hit numerous aces but at the same time, she’s prone to committing several double faults. She has hit 221 aces and committed 200 double faults this season. Apart from her incredible serving abilities, she can also hit powerful groundstrokes which can secure winners from any position on the court. However, her biggest weakness has been her movement and this is where I think Pegula will be looking to capitalize the most and will win this match.