Pegula captures first WTA title at Citi Open

Jessica Pegula captured the first WTA title of her career Sunday at the Citi Open in Washington, D.C., defeating Italy’s Camila Giorgi, 6-2, 6-2, in the 59-minute final.

"This final, I felt like I was just ready," the 79th-ranked Pegula said. "I was like, 'You know what? You're going to go out there, and you're going to go win.' And I felt confident in that.

"I think this is a great confidence booster, for sure, just in general. Hopefully I can keep the momentum and keep riding it."

The 25-year-old native of Buffalo, N.Y., upset No. 6 seed Katerina Siniakova in her opening-round match, Polish 18-year-old Iga Swiatek in the second round, fellow American Lauren Davis in the quarterfinals and Russian qualifier Anna Kalinskaya in the semifinals, before downing former Wimbledon quarterfinalist Giorgi in the final.

She becomes just the second American winner of the tournament, following Sloane Stephens' success four years ago at the event.

Pegula, who celebrated with her dog Maddie on court following the trophy presentation, reached her first final last year in Quebec City.

She improves her career record over the 62nd-ranked Giorgi to 3-1.