In a dramatic twist at the 2025 Berlin Open, third seed and defending champion Jessica Pegula saw her title defense come to an abrupt end in the last 16. The American star, who captured the Berlin Open crown just a year ago, was ousted by 2021 champion Liudmila Samsonova in a marathon three-set battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats for over three hours. This unexpected result has sent shockwaves through the tennis world and reshaped the tournament’s landscape.
A Marathon Match: Pegula vs. Samsonova
How the Action Unfolded
Jessica Pegula entered the match as a favorite, but Liudmila Samsonova had other plans. The Russian, known for her powerful serve and resilience on grass, pushed Pegula to her limits in a contest that lasted three hours and 21 minutes.
First Set:
Samsonova had multiple chances to close out the set, holding four set points at 5-4 and 6-5. However, Pegula’s grit shone through as she saved each one and snatched the set in a tense tiebreak.
Second Set:
Both players held serve until Samsonova broke Pegula at 5-5, then held her own serve to level the match. The momentum began to shift as Samsonova’s confidence grew.
Final Set:
The decider was a rollercoaster. Pegula was broken at 2-2 but fought back, winning three straight games and earning two match points at 5-4. Samsonova, however, refused to yield, saving both match points and forcing a tiebreak, which she clinched on her first opportunity.
Key Match Stats
Aces: Samsonova fired 18 aces to Pegula’s 2, showcasing her dominant serve.
Match Duration: 3 hours, 21 minutes—one of the longest matches of the tournament.
Set Scores: 6-7(8), 7-5, 7-6(5) in favor of Samsonova.
What This Upset Means for the Berlin Open
Pegula’s early exit has opened up the draw, giving other contenders a golden opportunity to make a deep run. Samsonova, now riding high on confidence, will face either Magdalena Frech or Amanda Anisimova in the quarterfinals.
Other Notable Results
Ons Jabeur, a lucky loser and 2022 Berlin champion, stunned world number five Jasmine Paolini to reach the quarterfinals.
Several top seeds, including Jasmine Paolini and Mirra Andreeva, also exited early, making this year’s Berlin Open one of the most unpredictable in recent memory.
Why Pegula’s Loss Matters
Jessica Pegula’s defeat is significant for several reasons:
- Defending Champion’s Pressure: Pegula was not only the third seed but also the reigning champion, making her an early favorite for the title.
- Wimbledon Implications: With Wimbledon just weeks away, this loss could impact Pegula’s momentum and confidence heading into the Grand Slam.
- Samsonova’s Resurgence: Samsonova’s victory signals her return to top form on grass, a surface where she has previously excelled.
What’s Next for Jessica Pegula?
Despite the disappointment, Pegula remains one of the most consistent players on tour. Her ability to fight back from difficult positions was on full display, and she will look to regroup ahead of Wimbledon, where she reached the quarterfinals last year.
FAQs
1. Who defeated Jessica Pegula at the 2025 Berlin Open?
Liudmila Samsonova, the 2021 Berlin Open champion, defeated Jessica Pegula in the last 16 after a three-set thriller.
2. What was the score in Pegula’s match against Samsonova?
The final score was 6-7(8), 7-5, 7-6(5) in favor of Samsonova, with the match lasting over three hours.
3. How did Samsonova win the match?
Samsonova used her powerful serve, hitting 18 aces, and saved two match points in the final set before clinching victory in a tiebreak.
4. What does Pegula’s loss mean for the Berlin Open?
Pegula’s exit opens up the draw for other contenders and highlights the unpredictable nature of this year’s tournament.
5. What’s next for Jessica Pegula after Berlin?
Pegula will focus on preparing for Wimbledon, aiming to build on her strong grass-court performances from previous seasons.
Conclusion
Jessica Pegula’s last-16 exit from the Berlin Open is a testament to the unpredictable and thrilling nature of tennis. While her title defense ended sooner than expected, Pegula’s fighting spirit and resilience were on full display. As the Berlin Open continues, all eyes will be on the remaining contenders—and on Pegula as she sets her sights on Wimbledon.
