(Seoul) Jessica Pegula defeated Yuan Yue 6-2, 6-3 in the final of the South Korea Open on Sunday to win the fourth title of her career.
The favorite only lost one set during the tournament, becoming the first American since Venus Williams in 2007 to be crowned in Seoul.
“My mom is of South Korean descent, so it’s really special for me to win here,” Pegula said.
Playing in his first career final, Yuan, 128th, obtained a break point in the first game.
Pegula, however, repelled her with a forehand winner.
The fourth racket in the world later won eight games in a row, securing the first set and taking a 3-0 lead in the second.
Yuan rallied to cut the margin to 4-3.
Pegula’s power in the backfield, however, guided her to her first title since that won in Montreal in August this year.
