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Jessica Pegula beats Amanda Anisimova to claim 2nd straight National Bank Open title

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Jessica Pegula beats Amanda Anisimova to claim 2nd straight National Bank Open title
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Jessica Pegula beats Amanda Anisimova to claim 2nd straight National Bank Open title

2024-08-13 08:16 Last Updated At:09:40

TORONTO (AP) — Jessica Pegula, the No. 3 seed and the sixth-ranked WTA Tour player, defended her National Bank Open women’s singles title by defeating Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 in Monday’s all-American final.

Pegula, from nearby Buffalo, New York, won last year’s National Bank Open in Montreal and improved her all-time record at the Canadian tennis championship to 17-2 in picking up the sixth tournament victory of her career.

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Amanda Anisimova, of the United States, serves to Jessica Pegula, also of the United States, during women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

TORONTO (AP) — Jessica Pegula, the No. 3 seed and the sixth-ranked WTA Tour player, defended her National Bank Open women’s singles title by defeating Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 in Monday’s all-American final.

Jessica Pegula, of the United States, serves to Amanda Anisimova, also of the United States, during women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

Jessica Pegula, of the United States, serves to Amanda Anisimova, also of the United States, during women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

Amanda Anisimova, of the United States, reacts after dropping the first set to Jessica Pegula, also of the United States, during women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

Amanda Anisimova, of the United States, reacts after dropping the first set to Jessica Pegula, also of the United States, during women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

Amanda Anisimova, of the United States, reaches for a drop shot return from Jessica Pegula, also of the United States, during women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

Amanda Anisimova, of the United States, reaches for a drop shot return from Jessica Pegula, also of the United States, during women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

Amanda Anisimova, of the United States, returns to Jessica Pegula, also of the United States, during women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

Amanda Anisimova, of the United States, returns to Jessica Pegula, also of the United States, during women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

Amanda Anisimova, of the United States, reacts to getting her serve broken by opponent Jessica Pegula, also of the United States, during women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

Amanda Anisimova, of the United States, reacts to getting her serve broken by opponent Jessica Pegula, also of the United States, during women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

Amanda Anisimova, of the United States, stretches during her match against Jessica Pegula, also of the United States, during women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

Amanda Anisimova, of the United States, stretches during her match against Jessica Pegula, also of the United States, during women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

Jessica Pegula, of the United States, celebrates after her win over Amanda Anisimova, also of the United States, in women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

Jessica Pegula, of the United States, celebrates after her win over Amanda Anisimova, also of the United States, in women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

Jessica Pegula, of the United States, serves to Amanda Anisimova, also of the United States, during women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

Jessica Pegula, of the United States, serves to Amanda Anisimova, also of the United States, during women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

Jessica Pegula, of the United States, celebrates after her win over Amanda Anisimova, also of the United States, in women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

Jessica Pegula, of the United States, celebrates after her win over Amanda Anisimova, also of the United States, in women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

Anisimova, who entered the week ranked No. 132 in the world as she continues her comeback after stepping away from the game for a mental health break, beat three top-20 players in Toronto, including No. 3 Aryna Sabalenka in the quarterfinals.

Monday’s showdown marked just the second time the final of a WTA 1000 event — one step below the sport’s four Grand Slams — has featured two Americans since the format was first introduced in 2009, with the only other instance coming in 2016 when Serena Williams defeated Madison Keys in Rome.

Pegula, who improved to 3-0 against Anisimova after also topping her on clay earlier this season, beat Liudmila Samsonova in last year’s final.

The 30-year-old picked up a break in the first game and led 5-3 when Anisimova double-faulted to go down a set.

Anisimova trailed love-40 in the second set before battling back to hold and then broke Pegula to go up 2-1 following a long rally.

The 22-year-old former French Open semifinalist then pushed ahead 5-2 with another break when Pegula committed a double fault before holding serve to hand Pegula her first dropped set of the tournament.

Monday marked the first time two American women have played for Canada’s national championship since Serena Williams defeated Jennifer Capriati in 2001.

Pegula is the first player to register 10 consecutive wins in women’s singles at the Canadian Open since Serena Williams put up 14 wins from 2011 to 2014.

AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

Amanda Anisimova, of the United States, serves to Jessica Pegula, also of the United States, during women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

Amanda Anisimova, of the United States, serves to Jessica Pegula, also of the United States, during women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

Jessica Pegula, of the United States, serves to Amanda Anisimova, also of the United States, during women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

Jessica Pegula, of the United States, serves to Amanda Anisimova, also of the United States, during women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

Amanda Anisimova, of the United States, reacts after dropping the first set to Jessica Pegula, also of the United States, during women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

Amanda Anisimova, of the United States, reacts after dropping the first set to Jessica Pegula, also of the United States, during women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

Amanda Anisimova, of the United States, reaches for a drop shot return from Jessica Pegula, also of the United States, during women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

Amanda Anisimova, of the United States, reaches for a drop shot return from Jessica Pegula, also of the United States, during women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

Amanda Anisimova, of the United States, returns to Jessica Pegula, also of the United States, during women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

Amanda Anisimova, of the United States, returns to Jessica Pegula, also of the United States, during women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

Amanda Anisimova, of the United States, reacts to getting her serve broken by opponent Jessica Pegula, also of the United States, during women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

Amanda Anisimova, of the United States, reacts to getting her serve broken by opponent Jessica Pegula, also of the United States, during women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

Amanda Anisimova, of the United States, stretches during her match against Jessica Pegula, also of the United States, during women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

Amanda Anisimova, of the United States, stretches during her match against Jessica Pegula, also of the United States, during women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

Jessica Pegula, of the United States, celebrates after her win over Amanda Anisimova, also of the United States, in women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

Jessica Pegula, of the United States, celebrates after her win over Amanda Anisimova, also of the United States, in women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

Jessica Pegula, of the United States, serves to Amanda Anisimova, also of the United States, during women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

Jessica Pegula, of the United States, serves to Amanda Anisimova, also of the United States, during women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

Jessica Pegula, of the United States, celebrates after her win over Amanda Anisimova, also of the United States, in women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

Jessica Pegula, of the United States, celebrates after her win over Amanda Anisimova, also of the United States, in women's singles final action at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

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Yankees clinch playoff berth by beating Mariners 2-1 in 10 innings

2024-09-19 13:14 Last Updated At:13:20

SEATTLE (AP) — A year ago, the New York Yankees were knocked out of playoff contention with a week to go in the regular season, ending a string of six straight postseason appearances.

Remembering what that was like made wrapping up a playoff berth with more than a week left this time around feel that much better to the Yankees.

“A lot of things have come together. Probably better health overall. Definitely an added focus for guys that were coming off tough years and simply put, we’re better. We weren’t a great team last year and this team has a chance to do something special,” New York manager Aaron Boone said.

After spending last year sitting at home when the postseason arrived, the Yankees wrapped up their place in the playoffs with a 2-1 win over the Seattle Mariners in 10 innings Wednesday night.

New York has the best record in the American League at 89-63 and leads second-place Baltimore by five games in the AL East with 10 to play. The latest victory ensured the Yankees at least a wild card.

It’s the 59th postseason appearance in franchise history, but the Yankees are still trying to end a World Series drought that dates to 2009, when New York celebrated its 27th title.

Last year, the Yankees were hampered by an injury-riddled roster that was eliminated from playoff contention on Sept. 24. Before that, the Yankees hadn’t missed the postseason since 2016, when Aaron Judge had just 27 games of major league experience.

Now they’re headed back to the playoffs with Judge the MVP favorite in the American League, another hitting star in Juan Soto and a starting pitching staff that might have enough depth to carry the Yankees on a deep playoff run.

“(It’ll) definitely be exciting, especially after the season we had last year missing out on the postseason,” Judge said. “That’s what we came into the season to do, get into the postseason and give ourselves an opportunity to go out there and win a World Series. That’ll be step one, but we've got to get there first.”

The task over the final stretch is making sure that return to the playoffs includes going in as champions of the AL East. The recent slump by the Orioles has opened a gap in the division race and built perhaps enough of a cushion to take some of the drama away from next week’s three-game series between the teams in the Bronx.

But it only remains stress-free as long as the Yankees don’t stumble over the next few days. After closing out the series in Seattle on Thursday, the Yankees finish up their final trip with three games in Oakland.

They hope it’s the last time they have to be away from home for a while.

“Our goal is to win the division. That’s what we want to do," Soto said. “We’re going to focus on that and try to finish the season strong.”

Soto is a big reason the Yankees are back in the playoffs and might end up with home-field advantage in the American League. While Judge is rightfully the favorite to win his second MVP in the past three seasons with 53 homers and 136 RBIs, the contributions from Soto have been equally important.

Soto reached the 40-homer mark for the first time in Tuesday’s series opener against the Mariners. It was also the 200th longball of his career, at just age 25 and heading into an offseason when he will be the top free agent. The duo will probably determine just how deep this Yankees playoff run goes.

“Getting a front-row seat this year, all year, watching him, watching him go about it, watching him day in and day out, just a great hitter,” Boone said.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

New York Yankees' Anthony Rizzo follows through on an RBI double against the Seattle Mariners during the 10th inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

New York Yankees' Anthony Rizzo follows through on an RBI double against the Seattle Mariners during the 10th inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

New York Yankees' Anthony Rizzo reacts after hitting an RBI double against the Seattle Mariners during the 10th inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

New York Yankees' Anthony Rizzo reacts after hitting an RBI double against the Seattle Mariners during the 10th inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

New York Yankees' Juan Soto hits a double against the Seattle Mariners during the third inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

New York Yankees' Juan Soto hits a double against the Seattle Mariners during the third inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

New York Yankees' Anthony Rizzo hits an RBI single to score Jasson Domínguez against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

New York Yankees' Anthony Rizzo hits an RBI single to score Jasson Domínguez against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

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