Tennis | Canada 2025 | Jessica Pegula begins title defence against rejuvenated Maria Sakkari

Jessica Pegula is back in action as she kicks off her title defense at the 2025 Canada Open, and all eyes are on her opening match against a fired-up Maria Sakkari. Last year, Pegula stunned everyone with her confident, composed performances to lift the trophy — and now, she’s ready to do it all over again.

But the road to another title won’t be easy. Maria Sakkari is not the same player Pegula faced in the past. The Greek star has been showing signs of a strong comeback lately, both mentally and physically. She’s playing with fresh energy, and her recent matches show that she’s determined to get back into the spotlight.

This match-up is more than just a first-round battle — it’s a clash between two of the WTA Tour’s most hardworking and respected players. Pegula, known for her cool head and precise baseline shots, has been one of the most consistent names in women’s tennis over the past few years. She’s calm, strategic, and rarely gives away free points.

On the other side, Sakkari is all about power and intensity. She brings fire to the court with her heavy groundstrokes and incredible fitness. Fans love her fighting spirit, and this match is the perfect chance for her to make a big statement.

There’s a lot at stake here. Pegula wants to prove her 2024 win wasn’t a one-time thing. She knows defending a title is never easy — especially when the draw is packed with dangerous floaters like Sakkari. But with the support of the Canadian crowd and the confidence of being a former champion, she’s got more than enough motivation.

Sakkari, meanwhile, is hunting for a spark to get her season fully on track. A win over Pegula wouldn’t just be a big upset — it could turn her entire year around.

Tennis fans can expect a high-quality, exciting battle. These two know each other well, and neither will go down without a fight. It’s a perfect way to open the Canadian tournament: a seasoned champion versus a challenger with something to prove.

Whether you’re a Pegula fan or rooting for Sakkari’s resurgence, one thing is sure — this is must-watch tennis, and it’s only just the beginning of what promises to be an electric week in Canada.