Jessica Pegula Overcomes Adversity to Reach Charleston Open Semifinals

The world No. 3 rallies from a set down to defeat Diana Shnaider and keep her title defense alive.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:21am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a tennis match, with overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic action and energy of the game.Pegula's dramatic comeback victory over Shnaider showcases her resilience and skill on the court.Charleston Today

World No. 3 Jessica Pegula has overcome a first-set deficit to defeat No. 7 seed Diana Shnaider 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 and advance to the semifinals of the Credit One Charleston Open. This marks Pegula's third comeback victory of the tournament, showcasing her mental fortitude and ability to adapt mid-match.

Why it matters

Pegula's resilience in the face of adversity has been a hallmark of her run to the semifinals in Charleston. Her ability to bounce back from setbacks and elevate her game in crucial moments underscores the mental toughness that has propelled her to the top of the women's game.

The details

After dropping the opening set, Pegula regrouped and started dictating play with her powerful groundstrokes. She capitalized on Shnaider's fatigue in the third set, breaking serve at 3-2 with a brilliant backhand winner down the line to seize control of the match.

  • Pegula lost the first set 3-6 to Shnaider.
  • Pegula won the second set 6-3 to even the match.
  • Pegula dominated the third set 6-2 to clinch the victory.

The players

Jessica Pegula

The world No. 3 and defending champion of the Credit One Charleston Open, known for her resilience and ability to overcome adversity.

Diana Shnaider

The No. 7 seed, who pushed Pegula to three sets with her aggressive and passionate play before ultimately falling short.

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What they’re saying

“Jessica just has this incredible ability to stay focused and composed, even when things aren't going her way. That's what makes her such a special player.”

— Martina Navratilova, Tennis Hall of Famer

What’s next

Pegula will face either No. 4 seed Iva Jovic or No. 8 seed Anna Kalinskaya in the semifinals on Saturday, April 18.

The takeaway

Pegula's comeback victory over Shnaider is a testament to her mental toughness and ability to adapt mid-match. As she continues her title defense in Charleston, her resilience and skill will be put to the test, but her track record suggests she is more than capable of overcoming any challenge that comes her way.