Tennis always has its shocks. This time, it’s Jessica Pegula on the wrong end. The American No. 2 is still reeling from that crushing first-round Wimbledon exit last month. Since then, her record has been a shaky 1-3. In Ohio, she started strong with a clean 6-4, 6-3 win over Kimberley Birrell. But then came Magda Linette — a far tougher hurdle.

On Tuesday, Pegula and Linette went toe-to-toe, trading three breaks each. The Pole snatched the first set in a tense tiebreak. Rain twice hit the second, stopping play, but Pegula battled through to level the match. The play carried over to Wednesday, but this time the American missed early break chances. Linette struck in the eighth game of the decider and closed it out, 7-6 (5), 3-6, 6-3.

After the win, Linette beamed about facing Jessica Pe

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