Marta Kostyuk extended her winning streak to six matches with a commanding 6-1, 6-4 victory over Jessica Pegula in the Round of 32 at the Madrid Open on April 26, 2026. The Ukrainian broke serve four times while holding firm against Pegula’s return pressure, converting 4 of 7 break point opportunities to Pegula’s meager 1 of 11.
The opening set was a statement of intent. Kostyuk raced through in just over 30 minutes, breaking Pegula three times while hitting five aces—five times more than Pegula’s single ace across the entire match. Pegula’s struggles on second serve were glaring: she won just 27% of those points, a dismal figure that left her constantly vulnerable. When Kostyuk got a look at Pegula’s weaker delivery, she pounced.
The second set offered Pegula more competitive footing, but she couldn’t solve the break point equation. Despite earning 11 chances to break, Pegula converted just once—a damning 9% success rate. Kostyuk, meanwhile, stayed clinical on the big points, sealing the match after 1 hour and 23 minutes. She fired six double faults but overcame that volatility by winning 68% of first serve points and 67 total points to Pegula’s 46.
Key Takeaways
- Kostyuk’s break point conversion was ruthlessly efficient at 57% (4/7), while Pegula squandered her chances at just 9% (1/11)—a 21-point gap that decided the match.
- Pegula’s second serve crumbled under pressure, winning only 27% of those points compared to Kostyuk’s 52%, exposing a critical vulnerability that Kostyuk exploited throughout.
- Despite hitting six double faults to Pegula’s two, Kostyuk’s five aces and 68% first serve points won allowed her to dictate play and control the rallies from the baseline.
- Kostyuk’s total points advantage (67 to 46) underscores the comprehensive nature of her victory—she won 21 more points over the course of the match, nearly half again as many as the 46 Pegula managed.
Player Analysis
Marta Kostyuk
The Ukrainian delivered her most complete performance in weeks, riding a six-match winning streak that now includes a Rouen title and back-to-back dominant victories in Madrid. Her aggressive return game was the difference-maker: she created 11 break point chances for Pegula and converted four, but more importantly, she suffocated Pegula’s own break point opportunities by winning 68% of first serve points. That number—well above her recent clay court average of around 50%—demonstrates a step up in serving consistency at the crucial moments.
Kostyuk’s six double faults are a concern, continuing a pattern that has plagued her clay season (she averages 6.0 per match on the surface). But she compensated with five aces and an ability to win the rally when her first serve landed. Her 52% success rate on second serve points was double Pegula’s 27%, which allowed her to hold serve comfortably even when the first ball missed. The Ukrainian’s breakpoint conversion—57% today versus her 38.9% season average on clay—was clinical when it mattered most.
Jessica Pegula
This was a day to forget for the American, who entered Madrid with an 11-title career haul and superior clay court credentials but left the court after managing just one break of serve from 11 attempts. That 9% conversion rate is abysmal by any standard, and it reflects a broader inability to capitalize on Kostyuk’s service volatility. Pegula’s 64% first serve percentage was actually higher than Kostyuk’s 62%, but she won only 56% of those points—too passive against an opponent who was teeing off on returns.
The second serve collapse was fatal. Winning 27% of second serve points on clay is unsustainable, and Kostyuk punished nearly every weak delivery. Pegula’s lone ace and two double faults suggest clean ball-striking, but the lack of free points left her grinding out every service hold. With just 46 total points won compared to Kostyuk’s 67, Pegula was outplayed in every phase—return, serve, and the crucial moments. Her clay form, already mixed heading into Madrid, now demands serious reassessment before the French Open.
Match Statistics
| Marta Kostyuk | Stat | Jessica Pegula |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Aces | 1 |
| 6 | Double Faults | 2 |
| 62% | 1st Serve % | 64% |
| 68% | 1st Serve Points Won | 56% |
| 52% | 2nd Serve Points Won | 27% |
| 4/7 | Break Points Won | 1/11 |
| 67 | Total Points Won | 46 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Marta Kostyuk vs Jessica Pegula at Madrid Open 2026?
Marta Kostyuk defeated Jessica Pegula 6-1, 6-4 in the Round of 32 at the Madrid Open on April 26, 2026.
How many break points did Jessica Pegula convert against Marta Kostyuk?
Jessica Pegula converted just 1 of 11 break point opportunities (9%), while Kostyuk converted 4 of 7 (57%)—a decisive gap that shaped the outcome.
What was Jessica Pegula’s second serve winning percentage against Kostyuk?
Pegula won only 27% of her second serve points, compared to Kostyuk’s 52%, exposing a critical vulnerability that Kostyuk exploited throughout the match.
Who won the Madrid Open 2026 Round of 32 match between Kostyuk and Pegula?
Marta Kostyuk won decisively, extending her winning streak to six matches with a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Jessica Pegula.
What’s Next
Kostyuk advances to the Round of 16 at Madrid, where she will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent. With six consecutive wins—including a title in Rouen and two commanding performances in Madrid—the Ukrainian is playing her best clay court tennis of the season at precisely the right moment heading into Roland Garros.
Head-to-head history: Jessica Pegula vs Marta Kostyuk.
