Jessica Pegula of America, downed Yuan Yue of China, 6-2, 6-3 in the final of the Korean Open to clinch the fourth title of her career. She dedicated her win to her mother who was a Korean by origin. On an emotional note, Jessica said “My mom was adopted and left on the doorstep of a Korean police station”. So, she felt it was an honor to win at the event.
Pegula felt that her being half-Korean made the win to be extra special. Though she doesnt speak Korean, she is still learning the culture and she was overwhelmed with the support that she received from the fans. She was enthralled when she said, “In the last few years, as my ranking has gone up, I’ve felt so much support from the fans, a lot more than I expected…”
This one is extra special. I am half Korean. I don’t speak and I am still learning about my culture (my mom was adopted and left on a doorstep of a Korean police station) but I have been overwhelmed by the support from Korean fans. My mom visited her orphanage here when I played… pic.twitter.com/2kUpnEZ2J2
— Jessie Pegula (@JPegula) October 15, 2023
She remembered the last time she played in the event 4 years ago when her mom visited her orphanage. That was the moment when she came to know about her mother’s past and the health struggles she had to go through. It motivated her immensely to win the tournament which ultimately became her goal in due course of time.
Jessica dropped only one set throughout the Korean Open but in the final, Yuan didn’t show any sign of nerves. But the caliber of World No.4 was a little too much to handle, and at one point, the American reeled off eight games on the trot. Though Yuan rallied to try and get back into the match, Pegula’s powerful baseline game shunned off any prospects of a comeback.
Jessica Pegula comforts Yuan Yue even after handing her a defeat
Though Yuan devised a game plan of sorts to overcome Pegula, she failed to put it past her opponent. On her campaign, Yuan reflected, “First time entering the top eight of WTA, first time entering top four of WTA. Once I reached the WTA finals, although I failed to win the championship in the end, it should still be commemorated.”
Yuan Yue wrote on her social media that Pegula is such a nice lady-
🎾Offered to hit with Yue when she realized she had no one to practice with.
🎾When Yue was at a loss during the ceremony, called Yue to take photo together.
🎾Encouraged Yue after the final. pic.twitter.com/XmPrJnYiXR— Bendou Zhang🎾 (@BendouZhang) October 16, 2023
Recognizing Pegula to be a nice person, Yuan, World No.128, was of the view that she always treated her with kindness. Yuan said, “When she sees that no one is warming up with me, even though she can play with the coach, she takes the initiative to ask me if I want to do some activities together.” According to Yuan, Pegula wasn’t someone who would be at a loss to see her hold onto the trophy.
This was the duo’s second meeting on the tour. The first time was in the third round of the US Open, where Pegula prevailed, 6-2,6-7(6),6-0. Though the result in Seoul did not go her way, Yuan had a stellar week, making it to her first final of a WTA event. She also scalped her second Top 30 win in two weeks, when she ousted World No.29, Marie Bouzkova in the quarterfinals.
{Credits – Daily Express, Castor Advance}
In the post-match presentation, Jessica had words of praise for Yuan. She opined that the last time they took on each other, it was a battle and it was no different this time. Pegula added, “You told me it’s your first final but I’m sure there will be many more,” and complimented the talent of Yuan by saying that her ranking is sure to surge.
