Emma Raducanu v Jessica Pegula LIVE: Tennis result and reaction after Briton’s impressive win at Eastbourne
Raducanu and fellow Briton Katie Boulter both reached the quarter-finals of the Rothesay International at Devonshire Park
Emma Raducanu secured one of the most "meaningful" wins of her career over world number five Jessica Pegula to reach the quarter-finals of the Rothesay International in Eastbourne
Raducanu followed up her stunning first-round win over fellow former US Open champion Sloane Stephens by digging deep to battle past American Pegula 4-6 7-6 (6) 7-5 after almost three hours in sweltering conditions. The American, who won the Berlin WTA title last week, had looked in control early on following two breaks as she opened up a 4-1 lead. Raducanu, though, rallied to pull back level at 4-4 only to then see her serve falter again as Pegula closed out the first set.
The match appeared to be running away from Raducanu - who missed the entire grass-court season last year due to wrist and ankle surgery - after she soon trailed 2-0 in the second set having again lost her opening service game. However, after finding her range from the back of the court and lifted by the home crowd, it was Pegula who started to wilt in the Eastbourne sun as Raducanu edged in front 4-3. Raducanu again dug deep to recover from 3-0 down in the tie-break to level the match as Pegula lashed another return into the net.
Remarkably, it was the first time in her career Raducanu had taken a set from a top-10 player and the 21-year-old built on the momentum into the deciding set as she broke twice to move 5-2 ahead. Pegula, though, refused to go quietly and forced a break back in the next game when Raducanu lashed a return wide.
After Pegula held, Raducanu had the chance to serve out for the match for a second time but the American went on to square things up again. Raducanu came to the net to wrap up another break and move 6-5 ahead, which left her again serving for the match. Pegula then saw three break point chances missed as Raducanu rallied from 0-40 before completing a remarkable fightback. Relive all the action from Eastbourne below:
Emma Raducanu* 4-6 6-6 (7-6) 5-3 Jessica Pegula - BREAK
Is Pegula fighting back? She takes the first point as Raducanu starts her game serving for the match.
Pegula wins the next point, and now it’s Raducanu who just needs to hold her nerve.
But Pegula has three break points. The Briton saves the first, but a wild forehand into the tramlines sees her drop the second, and she is broken.
Emma Raducanu 4-6 6-6 (7-6) 5-2 Jessica Pegula*
Pegula has hit one half way up the net to make it 30-30 and she is looking very deflated at the moment.
Raducanu carves out another break point, this would be difficult for Pegula to come back from in the third set.
Her first serve goes out, and Raducanu takes the game with a perfect drop shot! The crowd and the momentum is behind her.
Emma Raducanu* 4-6 6-6 (7-6) 4-2 Jessica Pegula
The crowd is really getting behind Raducanu here, and she responds in kind, moving to 30-0 up on her serve.
She already has a break in this set, and she is playing some stunning tennis.
Raducanu is on the back foot, but it doesn’t stop her pulling out a stunning lob to take a 40-0 lead!
She holds to love with a backhand down the line!
Emma Raducanu 4-6 6-6 (7-6) 3-2 Jessica Pegula*
Raducanu plays a stunning forehand passing shot and this is a brilliant run of shots from the British number five, who is looking far beyond that in this game.
Raducanu goes 15-30 ahead on Pegula’s serve, but has missed a chance to set up a game point. Hopefully that will not affect her rhythm at all.
Raducanu pulls it back to deuce. Pegula manages to carve out an advantage and hold a game to halt Raducanu’s momentum.
Emma Raducanu* 4-6 6-6 (7-6) 3-1 Jessica Pegula
Raducanu has continued in the same vein of form that she has shown so far this set, and storms to a 40-15 lead.
Raducanu takes her third game in a row and opens up a 3-1 lead in the deciding set!
Emma Raducanu 4-6 6-6 (7-6) 2-1 Jessica Pegula* - BREAK
Raducanu is playing nicely, and takes a 0-30 lead on Pegula’s serve. Raducanu sets up three break points, and she is playing some lovely tennis.
Raducanu breaks to love! It was a bit fortunate because of a big misshit that just went in her favour, but she won’t mind how it comes.
Emma Raducanu* 4-6 6-6 (7-6) 1-1 Jessica Pegula
After an extensive rally, that Pegula just hangs into, she manages to put the pressure on and go 15-30 ahead. But the American cannot back it up with another, and returns into the net.
The game goes to deuce, but Raducanu takes the advantage and lets out a big yell after hitting a brilliant high forehand winner.
Raducanu just pauses before her serve, and pulls out a big ace to level the third set!
Emma Raducanu 4-6 6-6 (7-6) 0-1 Jessica Pegula*
It’s 15-15 at the start of the deciding set. Pegula serves first.
Raducanu plays a stunning forehand shot after a slightly weak approach shot to level it again at 30-30.
The first game goes to deuce, but Pegula holds.
Emma Raducanu 4-6 6-6 (7-6) Jessica Pegula
Immediately after levelling the match, Raducanu has headed off court, which might just be for a comfort break.
Emma Raducanu 4-6 6-6 (7-6) Jessica Pegula
Raducanu slices the ball into the net with the first point, and Pegula is just keeping the ball in play without trying to win the point.
Raducanu makes another error, and Pegula eases to a 3-0 lead. Raducanu wins a great point, the forehand finds the corner, and it’s 1-3 in favour of the American.
The Briton has fought back into this with a powerful forehand, and fights back from 3-0 down to 3-3. The players are now going toe to toe and Raducanu moves 5-3 ahead.
Again it’s levelled at 5-5, but Pegula carves out match point. It’s on Raducanu’s serve, but the Briton saves it with a winning shot!
Raducanu has set point! It will be on Pegula’s serve and she takes it!
For the first time in her career, Raducanu has taken a set off a top-10 opponent!
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