Match Report: Raducanu Overcomes Pegula for First Top 10 Win at Eastbourne WTA 500

The quarterfinal lineup at the WTA 500 event in Eastbourne is set, with Chinese player Yuan Ye falling to No. 14 seed Kasatkina in a three-set thriller, 3-6, 6-4, 6-0, in the second round, ending her run in the round of 16. Kasatkina will face hometown favorite Raducanu in the quarterfinals, who saved a match point to defeat No. 5 seed Pegula 4-6, 7-6(6), 7-5, securing her first career victory over a Top 10 opponent.

Raducanu

In Raducanu’s previous seven encounters against Top 10 players, the Brit had never won a set. The two were evenly matched in the opening two sets, with Raducanu holding a 5-2 lead in the decider before losing 13 of the next 16 points, nearly letting Pegula stage a comeback. Ultimately, Raducanu saved four break points in her final service game from 0-40 down to seal the win.

“Physically, I feel very tired right now,” Raducanu said in her post-match interview. “When you’re up against someone like Jessica (Pegula) who is playing so well, it’s a tough match. She played fantastic in Berlin last week (winning the title) and she’s obviously very confident on grass. I’m very pleased with how I handled the pressure today, to be honest, I didn’t expect to come out on top. I think this is one of the most meaningful matches I’ve played.”

With Dart and Boulter also advancing, there are three British players in the quarterfinals at this year’s Eastbourne event, a first in over four decades. The last time a Brit claimed the title was back in 1975.

“It’s really healthy competition, we’re all watching each other progress and hoping to join them, no one wants to be left behind. It’s exactly what should be happening, we should be pushing each other forward and that’s what’s happening. We’re all capable of playing great tennis on grass, and the hard work we’ve put in in training is paying off.”

Boulter

Continuing her winning streak after triumphing in Birmingham last week, Boulter defeated No. 5 seed Ostapenko 6-4, 7-5 for her fourth Top 20 victory of the season. She will next face No. 3 seed Paolini, who advanced when Mertens retired due to a hip injury while trailing 5-2 in the first set.

Czech veteran Muchova, returning from an injury, displayed strong form by defeating Rybakina 6-4, 6-1, setting up a clash with defending champion Keys, who beat Kalinina 7-6(5), 6-1.

Eastbourne WTA 500 Women’s Singles Quarterfinals:

Dart vs. Fernandez

Keys vs. Muchova

Paolini vs. Boulter

Kasatkina vs. Raducanu

(Written and edited by Fei Wang)