With the Russian war on Ukraine still continuing, Starodubtseva said she’s not been home in four years. The money she made this week might even help her to see her family again.
“I really miss home,” she said. “Haven’t seen my dad for four years, my grandparents. It’s a tough topic for me … I keep thinking (of) how to bring us all together, but maybe now it’s going to be easier because I feel like a lot depends on the finances.”
Pegula and Starodubtseva have never met on tour; Pegula has 10 career titles, and Starodubtseva none, obviously.
“It seems like she likes the clay,” Pegula said of her foe. “Super crafty, seems like she’s a good athlete. She played pretty lights out today, it seems like.”
Starodubtseva said someone recently suggested to her that she try to play more like Pegula.
“She plays great tennis,” Starodubtseva said. “I like how she plays, and I think she’s a great fighter, and this tournament kind of shows it as well.”
Saturday’s match pushed Pegula, 32, near the 12-hour mark on-court this week, including doubles play.
But the more fatigue she feels, the better Pegula seems to play. Tennis legend Chris Evert, who won this tournament a record eight times, was duly impressed.
“After watching her this week in Charleston, I’m convinced (Pegula) has magical powers,” Evert posted on social media.
Said Pegula, “That’s a big compliment coming from Chrissie. Maybe it’s also like a cat with nine lives. I’ve heard that a few times, too. I do feel a bit more like that than a super power, to be honest. Maybe just a little lucky.”
Pegula, 0-3 in opening sets before Saturday, flipped the script by actually winning the first set against Jovic, who gained a lot of Charleston fans in her tournament debut.
Jovic, who already has a WTA Tour singles title to her credit, showed her will in a tense second set, converting a third set point against Pegula’s serve by cracking a backhand winner in the 12th game.
