Jessica Pegula survives a surging Amanda Anisimova at the Charleston Open

It did not look or feel like a match between World No. 254 and World No. 5. Amanda Anisimova continued her 2024 comeback by giving Jessica Pegula a big challenge. The match lasted well over two hours, was won by Pegula on the her fourth match point, and was decided by a third-set tiebreak.

Anisimova came out firing and had Pegula scrambling in the first set. Anisimova won the first set 6-3. In the second set, Pegula found her game, and Anisimova dealt with back spasms that required a trainer visit. She continued to push hard but lost it 4-6. The third set was filled with ups and downs for both players with Pegula playing a great tiebreaker and winning 3-6, 6-4, 7-6.

It was high-quality tennis but rarely by both players at the same time. Some engaging rallies showed Pegula's court coverage which seems better this year. Anisimova's backhand is her money shot, but she also had some great serves and hit the angles of the court.

What the win means for Pegula

Pegula has not had a good season so far. She is the top seed in this tournament so a Round of 64 loss to a player outside the Top 50 would have been detrimental.

Anisimova needs to play more matches and stay healthy. Two tough matches in a little more than 24 hours (Monday against Paula Badosa and Tuesday against Pegula) after being off the WTA Tour for a lot of 2023 probably contributed to the back spasms.

It also means that American women's tennis continues to be fun to watch and very competitive. With Coco Gauff leading the pack, Pegula, Emma Navarro, a victorious Danielle Collins in Miami, Madison Keys, Sloane Stephens, Taylor Townsend, and more are giving fans plenty to cheer about so far in 2024.

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