Pegula, Kenin book semis berths

MANILA, Philippines — World No. 4 and top seed Jessica Pegula rallied from a set and a break down to beat defending champion Danielle Collins, 1-6, 6-3, 6-0, Friday and reach the semifinals of the WTA clay court tournament in Charleston, South Carolina.

“That was tough,” said Pegula, who trailed, 6-1, 2-0, but won 10 of the last 13 games – including the last nine to close out the contest.

Pegula booked a semifinal meeting with Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova, who beat Paris Olympics gold medallist Zheng Qinwen of China, 6-1, 6-4. American Sofia Kenin also reached the semifinals, beating Russian Anna Kalinskaya, 6-4, 6-3.