Fourth seed Jessica Pegula saves four set points in an epic tiebreak to defeat Sara Sorribes Tormo 7-6, 6-1 and advance to the Wimbledon 2026 third round.
Introduction:
Fourth seed Jessica Pegula showed the true heart of a champion on Court No. 2, staging a spectacular first-set comeback to defeat Spain’s Sara Sorribes Tormo. The American No. 1 saved multiple set points in a dramatic opening sequence before shifting into cruise control to seal a 7-6(6), 6-1 victory, securing her spot in the third round of Wimbledon 2026.
The final scoreline might suggest a straightforward afternoon in London, but the opening hour was a brutal tactical battle. Sorribes Tormo used her signature slice, defensive lobs, and superb net play to push the high-ranking American to the absolute limit.
A Thrilling First-Set Tiebreak Turnaround
The match began with both players struggling to find consistency behind their serves as heavy baseline returns dominated the rhythm. Sorribes Tormo’s clever variety and change of pace constantly disrupted Pegula’s timing, causing uncharacteristic errors from the fourth seed. After trading blows all the way to a tiebreak, the Spaniard looked fully prepared to secure the opening set after racing to a commanding 6-2 lead. See also: Krejcikova Defeats 5th Seed Andreeva in Brutal Baseline War
Facing four consecutive set points, Pegula unlocked an extra gear of mental toughness. She cleaned up her unforced errors, pinned her opponent deep behind the baseline with aggressive backhands, and reeled off six consecutive points to snatch the tiebreak 8-6. Stunned by the sudden turnaround, the momentum completely evaporated for the Spanish fighter.
High-Powered Cruise Control in the Second Set
The second set began with a brief flash of hope for Sorribes Tormo as she managed an early break of serve. However, Pegula responded instantly by playing near-flawless grass-court tennis. The American cleaned up her winner-to-unforced-error ratio to a brilliant 2-to-1 margin, finishing the second set with 13 winners and just six unforced errors.
Pegula took total control of the net, hitting an exquisite angled backhand volley to cement a love-hold for 4-1 before blasting an ace down the T to wrap up a final love-hold. By sweeping the final six games of the match in roughly half an hour, Pegula booked a third-round meeting against another Spaniard, Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.
