Jessica Pegula overcame a slow start to defeat Donna Vekic 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 in the Round of 64 at WTA Indian Wells on March 8, 2026. After dropping the opening set, Pegula found her rhythm on serve, firing 8 aces and converting 5 of 7 break point opportunities to secure a decisive comeback victory.
The American stumbled early, losing the first set as Vekic took advantage of an uneven start from Pegula. But the momentum shifted dramatically in the second set. Pegula’s serve became a weapon — she won 69% of first-serve points and dominated on her second serve at 57%, while Vekic managed just 42% on her own second deliveries. That disparity proved critical as Pegula leveled the match and carried the momentum into the decider.
The third set followed a similar pattern. Pegula broke twice to Vekic’s one, and her superior serve hold percentage kept the Croatian at arm’s length. By the final point, Pegula had won 95 total points to Vekic’s 76, a 19-point margin that reflected her control once she settled into the match.
Key Takeaways
- Pegula’s serve dominated after the first set — she fired 8 aces to Vekic’s 1 and won 69% of first-serve points, establishing control on her delivery throughout the final two sets.
- The second-serve gap decided the match. Pegula won 57% of points on her second serve while Vekic managed just 42%, a 15-percentage-point chasm that prevented the Croatian from applying consistent return pressure.
- Break point conversion tilted heavily in Pegula’s favor at 5 of 7 (71%), compared to Vekic’s 2 of 7 (29%). That efficiency on the big points allowed Pegula to seize momentum and never surrender it after the second set.
- Pegula’s 95 total points won to Vekic’s 76 — a 19-point margin — reflected her steady accumulation of advantages across serve, return, and crucial game situations once the match reached the second set.
Player Analysis
Jessica Pegula
Pegula’s comeback hinged on her ability to reset after a tentative first set. Her serve became the foundation — 8 aces and a 69% first-serve points won rate meant Vekic rarely had clean looks on return. More importantly, Pegula raised her second-serve performance to 57%, a mark that eliminated the vulnerability Vekic exploited early. Her break point conversion (71%) showcased sharp decision-making in the decisive moments, and she never let Vekic settle into a rhythm once the second set began.
The American’s total dominance in points won (95 to 76) suggests she controlled the majority of rallies and dictated play from the baseline. With her 10th career title already secured before this tournament, Pegula looked composed and experienced, qualities that allowed her to weather the first-set storm and impose her game over the final two sets.
Donna Vekic
Vekic started brightly, claiming the first set and creating early break opportunities. But her serve unraveled as the match progressed. With just 1 ace and a 42% second-serve points won rate, she gave Pegula too many opportunities to attack. The Croatian converted only 2 of 7 break points, failing to capitalize when Pegula showed brief vulnerability, and that lack of ruthlessness proved costly.
The drop-off in serve performance — particularly on second deliveries — left Vekic defending too often. She couldn’t sustain the aggression that carried her through the opening set, and once Pegula found her range, Vekic had no counter-punch. The 19-point deficit in total points won reflects a match that slipped away after a promising start.
Match Statistics
| Jessica Pegula | Stat | Donna Vekic |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | Aces | 1 |
| 3 | Double Faults | 3 |
| 67% | 1st Serve % | 64% |
| 69% | 1st Serve Points Won | 62% |
| 57% | 2nd Serve Points Won | 42% |
| 5/7 | Break Points Won | 2/7 |
| 95 | Total Points Won | 76 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Jessica Pegula vs Donna Vekic at WTA Indian Wells 2026?
Jessica Pegula defeated Donna Vekic 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 in the Round of 64 at WTA Indian Wells on March 8, 2026.
How many aces did Jessica Pegula hit against Donna Vekic?
Pegula hit 8 aces compared to Vekic’s 1, a significant serving advantage that helped her control the final two sets.
What was Jessica Pegula’s break point conversion rate against Vekic?
Pegula converted 5 of 7 break point opportunities (71%), while Vekic managed just 2 of 7 (29%), a decisive edge in crucial moments.
Who won the WTA Indian Wells Round of 64 match between Pegula and Vekic?
Jessica Pegula won the match, rallying from a set down to defeat Donna Vekic and advance to the Round of 32.
What’s Next
Pegula advances to the Round of 32 at WTA Indian Wells, where she will look to build on this comeback performance and continue her campaign at one of the tour’s premier hard-court events.
Head-to-head history: Donna Vekic vs Jessica Pegula.
