Cincinnati Open 2024 SF: Jessica Pegula vs Paula Badosa preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick
Match Details
Fixture: (6) Jessica Pegula vs Paula Badosa
Date: August 18, 2024
Tournament: Cincinnati Open 2024
Round: Semifinal
Venue: Lindner Family Tennis Center, Mason, Ohio, US
Category: WTA 1000
Surface: Hard
Prize Money: $3,211,715
Live Telecast: US - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - TSN+
Jessica Pegula vs Paula Badosa preview
Sixth seed Jessica Pegula will face off against unseeded Paula Badosa in the semifinal of the 2024 Cincinnati Open on Sunday, August 18.
Pegula entered Cincinnati riding high after a title-winning run at the Canadian Open, another WTA 1000 tournament. She successfully defended her title there, securing victories over players such as Karolina Pliskova, Ashlyn Krueger, Peyton Stearns, Diana Shnaider, and Amanda Anisimova.
In Cincinnati, the American kicked off her campaign with a hard-fought 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 victory over Karolina Muchova in the second round. She then secured a solid 6-2, 6-3 win against compatriot Taylor Townsend before battling past former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez with a score of 7-5, 6-7(1), 7-6(3) to book a spot in the semifinals.
Meanwhile, Badosa is on a comeback trail, entering the Cincinnati Open after a second-round exit at the Canadian Open. Earlier in the month, she won the Citi Open, her first title since returning from a six-month hiatus due to a back injury, showing that she's getting back into good form.
Badosa began her campaign in Cincinnati with a 6-2, 7-5 victory over Peyton Stearns. She then defeated 13th seed Anna Kalinskaya 6-3, 6-2, followed by a 6-4, 6-4 win over Yulia Putintseva. The Spaniard secured her spot in the semifinals with a commanding 6-3, 6-2 victory over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
Jessica Pegula vs Paula Badosa head-to-head
Pegula and Badosa have faced each other twice on the WTA Tour so far, with the former holding a 2-0 head-to-head advantage. The American won their previous encounters at the Miami Open in 2022 and again in Charleston a year later.
Jessica Pegula vs Paula Badosa odds
(Odds are sourced from BetMGM)
Jessica Pegula vs Paula Badosa prediction
The semifinal clash between Jessica Pegula and Paula Badosa at the 2024 Cincinnati Open on Sunday (August 18) promises to be thrilling.
Pegula will enter the match as the favorite, thanks to her impressive performances in recent weeks. However, Badosa should not be underestimated. She has been in strong form herself, and if she is at her best and injury-free, she can certainly make her opponent work hard for the win.
Pegula is a solid hardcourt player known for her resilience and all-around game, supported by her fine groundstrokes. While she may lack a powerful serve, which could be a disadvantage against Badosa, she compensates with other strengths in her game. She will also benefit from the support of the home crowd and sail past the Spaniard to advance to the final of the WTA 1000 tournament.
Pick: Jessica Pegula to win in three sets.