Billie Jean King Cup: Jessica Pegula vs Hanne Vandewinkel; Preview, Head-to-Head, and Prediction

Another edition of the Billie Jean King Cup is back with some blockbuster qualifier matchups. As Team USA faces Belgium in the qualifiers, the current world No. 5 American player, Jessica Pegula, will square off against the Belgian tennis prodigy, Hanne Vandewinkel.

Two players of high caliber will face each other at the international premier team competition, where teams from 16 nations will compete this week for a spot in the Finals. As the likes of Pegula and Vandewinkel will be looking to clinch some crucial wins for their respective countries, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top in this exciting game.

Jessica Pegula vs Hanne Vandewinkel: Billie Jean King Cup qualifier match preview

After her semifinal finish at the Charleston Open, Jessica Pegula is now participating in the Billie Jean King Cup. In her first qualifier match, the former world No. 3 player pulled off a phenomenal comeback against the Belgian Sofia Costoulas. After struggling with windy conditions as well as her own gameplay, Pegula managed to turn the match in her favor as she won with a score of 4-6, 6-2, 6-3.

Hanne Vandewinkel, on the other hand, is coming to the international premier team competition after her runner-up finish at the ITF Spain 13A, which also turned out to be one of her best campaigns this season. The Belgian tennis star, however, failed to start the Billie Jean King Cup on a high note as she tasted defeat at the hands of current number 21, Emma Navarro, who prevailed in a three-set game, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.

Pegula vs Vandewinkel: Head-to-Head

The qualifier match between Jessica Pegula and Hanne Vandewinkel at this season’s international premier team competition will also mark their first meeting on the tour. The Belgian player has mostly played on the ITF circuit, while her American opponent is a household figure on the WTA Tour. With no prior confrontations on the court between Pegula and Vandewinkel, their H2H record is currently locked at 0-0.

Prediction: Pegula to secure yet another vital victory for the US

The American player is currently sitting in the top 5 ranking and has a brilliant 236/127 record on hard court surfaces, where she will now play against her Belgian opponent. Pegula’s vast experience on the tour will make her the favorite to win this qualifier match in straight sets. Vandewinkel, on the other hand, has yet to make any notable impression on the WTA Tour, as she has mostly played in the ITF circuit events. She will find it quite challenging to overcome a top-ranked player like Pegula, who has also won four singles titles on the hard courts.