Pegula Beats Shnaider, Sets Washington Open Final With Eala

Pegula defeats Shnaider

Pegula claims WTA-Leading 38th win to book Washington final spot. “It's Going To Be A Battle,” says Pegula to face Eala in Washington final.

Pegula sees off Shnaider to move into the final of the Washington Open...

Jessica Pegula moved into the Washington Open women’s final on Saturday, beating Russia’s Diana Shnaider 7-5, 6-4. The American is chasing her third title of 2025.

World No.3 Pegula, who claimed her first WTA title in Washington back in 2019, recovered from 5-2 down early on to book a spot in her fourth final of the season.

“It was playing a little bit slow. She's a lefty. It's tricky,” said Pegula. “I just kept telling myself it's just one break. Just keep holding.

“I found a little rhythm on the return, served a little bit smarter and I was able to play some good tennis, kind of take control of the momentum.”

Shnaider jumped out to a 5-2 lead early, but Pegula responded by winning five straight games to clinch the opening set in 45 minutes.

Serving for the set at 5-3, Shnaider was broken by Pegula, who then held to love, broke again, and sealed the set when the Russian hit a forehand long.

  

In the second set, Pegula went up 3-2 after Shnaider dumped a backhand into the net, then stretched it to 5-2 with another break finished off by a forehand winner.

Shnaider broke back in the eighth game, but Pegula served out the match in the 10th, sealing it with a forehand winner. She advanced in 87 minutes for her tour-leading 38th win of 2025.

“It's going to be a battle,” Pegula said of the final against Alexandra Eala. “Alex, I'm a big fan of hers. She's the future of the tour and she's already here.”

  

Pegula, who reached the Australian Open semi-finals this year, is chasing her 12th career WTA title after winning in Dubai and Charleston earlier this season.