Anastasija Sevastova Shocks Jessica Pegula

If you have been following tennis for a while, you probably looked at the recent upset at the National Bank Open and thought, “Wait, who just knocked Jessica Pegula out?” Yep, that would be Anastasija Sevastova, the 35-year-old Latvian pro ranked a humble No. 386 in the world.

She pulled off one of the most head-scratching, jaw-dropping upsets in recent years by dismantling the two-time defending Canadian Open champ, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1. Can her Cinderella run continue in Canada?

Sevastova’s Miraculous Comeback (and Pegula’s Head-Scratcher)

Once upon a time, Sevastova was ranked as high as No. 11 in the WTA rankings. But now? Her ranking all but screams “retired.” On top of leaving the professional circuit for maternity leave in 2024, she had quietly faded from international tennis buzz. She has worked hard, and that work was on full display when she snapped Pegula’s 11-match winning streak in Canada. For context, only Serena Williams can top a streak like that with her 14 wins.

Sevastova was not in flawless form during the first set. The American broke her twice and served up a crisp reminder of why she’s No. 4 in the world. But the moment the second set rolled around? Magic. The Latvian veteran smashed back with a strategic game, forcing uncharacteristic errors from Pegula. She capitalized on three break point chances, and before Pegula realized what was happening, she dropped the second set.

The third set? That was just Sevastova showing off. Pegula, visibly frustrated, handed over points like they were Black Friday freebies. Sevastova tightened her grip with relentless forehands, while Pegula’s infamous firepower evaporated. A 6-1 finish against such a high-ranking titan is no small feat, especially for someone with such a low ranking.

What’s Next For Sevastova?

Up next on Sevastova’s hit list? Naomi Osaka. Osaka cruised past Jelena Ostapenko in her third-round match with a breezy 6-2, 6-4 win. If that performance is anything to go by, Sevastova has a mountain to climb.

What Went Wrong for Pegula?

The two-time National Bank Open defending champ looked bad. She won her opener against Maria Sakkari in Montreal, but after this match, it is hard to say what is next for her during this slump. Losing at Wimbledon, the D.C. Open, and this event isn’t exactly the resume booster she probably envisioned for mid-2025. While Pegula still remains one of the top-ranked players in the WTA, this string of random exits feels like a glitch in her system. 

A Win For Tennis Nostalgia

Sevastova’s resurgence is not just a win for her; it is a win for every tennis fan who loves an underdog story dripping with drama. A pro who stepped away for motherhood, only to roar back and take down the big guns, is movie material. If anything, Sevastova proves that tennis is not just a sport for the young, rising stars. Sometimes, it is the grit, resilience, and sheer willpower of experienced players that give us stories we will be retelling years from now.

Final Thoughts

On paper, Sevastova’s win over Pegula is a statistical anomaly. But for those watching from the stands or at home, it was a glorious reminder that in sports, talent and rankings only go so far. The grit, determination, and ability to rise to the occasion make or break champions. Will Sevastova extend her Cinderella run against Osaka? Or will she exit with a polite handshake and post-match smile? Well, only time will tell. The sports world will be tuning in to see if this tennis fairytale has a little more magic left.