Jessica Pegula’s Stuttgart Open run came to a shocking halt as Ekaterina Alexandrova delivered a commanding performance in the quarterfinals, leaving fans and pundits searching for answers.
Entering the match as the No. 3 seed and fresh off a title in Charleston, Pegula was widely expected to advance deep into the tournament. However, Alexandrova, ranked 22nd, had other plans. The Russian dominated from the outset, seizing the first seven games and never relinquishing control, ultimately dispatching Pegula 6-0, 6-4 in under minutes.
Pegula managed a brief resurgence, saving three match points and breaking back late in the second set, but Alexandrova’s aggressive play and six aces proved too much. The American, who had won their previous meeting in Charleston, struggled to find her rhythm on the indoor clay of Stuttgart.
With this victory, Alexandrova secured her fifth Top win of and advanced to the semifinals, where she awaits the winner between Iga Swiatek and Jelena Ostapenko. For Pegula, the defeat marks an abrupt end to her impressive streak, while Alexandrova’s relentless form signals she could be a major threat for the title.
Fans are left wondering: Can Alexandrova maintain this level and claim the Stuttgart crown, or will Pegula bounce back stronger in the next event? The Stuttgart Open just delivered one of its biggest surprises yet.
