Simona Waltert vs Jessica Pegula Preview & Prediction | 2026 Cincinnati Open | Second Round

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Jessica Pegula takes on Simona Waltert in the second-round of the Cincinnati Open.

Ranking points: WTA 1000

Start date/time: 15 August 2026 at 7:10 pm

Venue: Lindner Family Tennis Center, Mason, USA

Surface: Outdoor hard

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / USA – Tennis Channel

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Tennis Channel

Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Simona Waltert vs Jessica Pegula ticket information

Simona Waltert vs Jessica Pegula prediction

Simona Waltert advanced to the next round at the Cincinnati Open as she came from a set down to beat Petra Marcinko. The Swiss was broken when serving to say in the first set but crucially levelled it up in the second. Waltert reeled off the final four games to win 5-7 6-4 6-2. She has now beaten Marcinko on four occasions. She plays world number three Jessica Pegula next.

The American could only manage a round-of-16 appearance at the Canadian Open as she was comfortably beaten by Diana Shnaider. Pegula had reached the final in Washington a week earlier, losing to Alexandra Eala despite going up a set. She has been one of the most consistent performers on the WTA Tour this season, with two titles and two further runner-up finishes.

Pegula is the clear favourite to begin her campaign with a victory, as she seeks a second WTA 1000 title in 2026.

Simona Waltert vs Jessica Pegula tip: Under 20.5 games