Pegula defeats Anisimova to claim second WTA Canada title in a row

Jessica Pegula, aged 30, triumphed over Amanda Anisimova, 22, with a score of 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 in an all-American final on Monday, securing the WTA Toronto Masters title. This victory marks Pegula as the first player to win the event consecutively since 2000.

Ranked sixth, Pegula achieved her sixth career WTA title and her second of the year, following her win in Berlin in June. She is the first player to win back-to-back titles in Canada since Martina Hingis did so in 1999-2000.

"Crazy. I can't believe it. I wanted it so bad," Pegula expressed emotionally. "Thinking about it makes me tear up. I am thrilled to have claimed the title here. It feels incredible. I am overwhelmed with emotions."

Reflecting on her journey, Pegula noted, "It has been a year of ups and downs, but these are tears of joy. I am truly happy."

Pegula expressed her delight in winning the Canadian title in both alternating host cities, Montreal and Toronto, the latter being close to her hometown of Buffalo, New York. Her grandparents, one hailing from Toronto and the other from Montreal, were present in the audience.

"One in each city, so this victory is for both of you," Pegula remarked.

With this win, Pegula improved her head-to-head record against Anisimova to 3-0, marking her second victory over Anisimova this year, following their encounter in April at Charleston.

Pegula initiated the match with a break against Anisimova and secured the first set after 27 minutes, capitalizing on a double fault from Anisimova.

In the second set, Anisimova responded with a forehand winner to break Pegula, taking a 2-1 lead, and further extended her advantage to 5-2 after Pegula committed another double fault.

After losing her first set of the tournament, Pegula broke Anisimova to take a 2-0 lead in the final set, benefiting from another double fault by Anisimova, and extended her lead to 4-0 after Anisimova netted a forehand.

Anisimova struggled in the final set, winning only three points in the first four games, and ultimately lost the match on Pegula's serve after 87 minutes.

"I know there is a lot of talk about my record and everything, but it feels great.

Ranked 132nd globally, Anisimova achieved the distinction of being the lowest-ranked finalist at the Canadian tournament in four decades.

Throughout the week, Anisimova overcame four opponents within the top 20 to secure her fourth career WTA final; however, she was unable to secure a third title, having previously won in Bogota in 2019 and Melbourne in 2022.

After taking a nine-month hiatus for mental health reasons last year, Anisimova found herself ranked 373rd at the beginning of the year, but her performance as a runner-up has propelled her back into the top 50.

"I dedicated myself to the work, maintained focus, and aimed to return to the sport with a more relaxed mindset," Anisimova stated on Monday.

"My goal has been to appreciate each day as it comes and to avoid taking everything too seriously, as I believe that can diminish the joy in many aspects of life. I think this approach to my daily routine has been significantly beneficial for me."