World No. 88 Daria Saville was thrilled after shocking first-seeded American Jessica Pegula in Washington as she feels beating top players is the best way to earn respect from your rivals.
On Wednesday, Saville defeated Pegula 7-5 6-4 to progress into the Washington quarterfinal.
“I’m happy about it [another Top 10 win], and I think that creates kind of a good reputation and players are going to see. ‘Okay, she’s playing well. She has had some good wins this year,'” Saville said after upsetting Pegula, per the WTA website.
Saville closed out Pegula in straight sets
Saville clinched the first break of the match in the ninth game to open a 5-4 lead, but failed to serve out for the first set in the following game.
However, Saville was able to keep her focus as she broke Pegula again in the 11th game, before serving out for the first set in the following game.
After winning the first set, Saville broke Pegula in the opening game of the first set.
Even though Saville faced six break points in the rest of the set, she never lost her serve as she served her way into the Washington quarterfinal.
Pegula maybe didn’t have much luck but her fellow compatriot Amanda Anisimova did.
On Wednesday, Anisimova beat Karolina Pliskova 3-6 7-5 6-1.
“It just means that I’ve progressed a lot, and I’m very happy to get this win today,” Anisimova said. “In the first and second set, I had a lot of nerves. I had a lot of anxiety the last couple of days, and I think that showed in the match. I was able to just shake it off, put some ice on my face, and find my game. I’m just happy I was able to turn it around, because a year ago, I don’t think I would’ve been able to.”
Meanwhile, Saville plays qualifier Rebecca Marino next.