BEIJING – Jessica Pegra became the third American to reach the semi-finals of the China Open after meeting over her fellow countryman Emma Navarro on Friday.
The fifth seed Pegra wasted six set points in the opener, but dominated the next two sets to score 6-7 (2), 6-2, 6-1.
“I told myself not to be too annoyed,” Pegra said. “Stay calm and relax a little. Don’t try hard to carry out your game plan. That’s how I’ve been able to play more for free.”
Pegra then faces Linda Noscova, who has passed British Sonay Cartal 6-3, 6-4. The 20-year-old Noskova has become the youngest Czech player to reach the WTA 1000 semi-finals since the format was introduced in 2009.
The other semi-finals defending defending champion Coco Gouf against third seeded Amanda Anishimova in the national encounter.
