As the new year unroll, many seize the opportunity to push boundaries in various aspects of life, be it in career, relationships, or personal goals. For Jessica Pegula, America’s top-ranked female tennis player, this new year has already begun on a remarkable note.
The 28-year-old Pegula has made an impressive start to 2023, securing a victory by defeating world No. 1 Iga Światek with a dominant 6-2 6-2 performance in the United Cup semifinal held in Sydney.
This win underscores her readiness as the Australian Open progresses, where she has previously reached the quarterfinals in the past two years. Pegula advanced with ease in the third round, overcoming Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk 6-0 6-2.
Eurosport analyst Barbara Schett shared with CNN Sport that Pegula has a strong chance to claim her first grand slam title this year. “Her performance against Światek was exceptional,” Schett remarked. “If she maintains this level of play, she could very well win the Australian Open.”
Pegula, currently ranked third in the world, comes from a sporting family. Her parents, Terry and Kim Pegula, are prominent figures in sports management, owning both the Buffalo Bills and the Buffalo Sabres. Terry Pegula, a billionaire, amassed his wealth through the oil and gas industry and later expanded his investments into sports.
Despite her privileged background, Pegula has built her reputation through relentless work ethic. She remains a dedicated tennis player who often prioritizes her sport over her family’s high-profile ventures. Her passion extends beyond the court, as she runs her own skincare line, Ready24, and co-founded “A Lending Paw,” a charity that connects people with trained rescue animals.
Pegula’s journey in tennis began at age seven, inspired by her older sister Laura’s involvement in the sport. Her early experiences included observing and practicing at tennis courts, which eventually led her to pursue professional tennis with dedication.
Her career faced serious hurdles, including a knee injury in 2014 and a challenging hip surgery in 2017, which she found particularly tough to overcome. Nonetheless, Pegula persisted through these setbacks, demonstrating resilience and commitment.
In 2021, Pegula’s breakthrough year saw her rise from a No. 62 ranking to the top 20, marked by several quarterfinals and semifinals appearances. Her coach, David Witt, praised her work ethic and positive attitude, which contributed to her success.
In recent grand slams, Pegula consistently reached the quarterfinals but fell to eventual champions, including Ashleigh Barty and Światek. Despite these near-misses, Pegula’s consistency and strong performances have made her a formidable player on tour.
Last year’s highlight was her triumph at the Guadalajara Open, which marked her biggest career win to date. With the Australian Open underway, experts like Laura Robson believe Pegula is a top contender for the title, noting her improved game and confidence following her victory over Światek.
The conditions in Melbourne might suit Pegula’s style, as her game thrives on low, fast surfaces, and her steadiness could be her greatest asset in passing a competitive draw.