Jessica Pegula has picked up several impressive Grand Slam results over the past few years.
After enduring a 1-7 run at the beginning of her career, Pegula soon found her footing at the four major tournaments.
Between 2021 and 2023, the American WTA star qualified for six Grand Slam quarterfinals, as she developed into one of the most consistent players in the women’s game.
12 months ago, she enjoyed the best tournament of her career, when Pegula reached the final of the US Open, finishing as runner-up to Aryna Sabalenka.
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The 31-year-old would love nothing more than to go one better in 2025, returning as the number-four seed.
As she finishes up her pre-tournament preparations, Pegula has highlighted the change she’d like to see implemented for future Grand Slam events.
Jessica Pegula thinks fans should be allowed to exit and enter the stadium at all times during Grand Slams
During her press conference, Pegula was asked what she would change about tennis if she had the choice.
“That’s a good question,” she said.
“I have no idea. There are, like, so many things. I mean, I don’t really get bothered by crowd or fan movement and stuff like that. I think they’ve kind of tried to change some of that already, maybe making it more fan-engaged, like, throughout the match.
“Yeah, I think you should be able to probably, I hate when you’re standing outside and it’s two really long games and you have to wait for a changeover and you miss, I think that should change.”
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Unlike some of her rivals, Pegula isn’t bothered by fans moving around while she’s playing.
“I don’t really get bothered by fans having to come in and out, if there’s a lot going on,” she said.
“I know some players are, like, nobody can move in the whole stadium.
“I’m not like that, so I would like to see that change because I think from a fan perspective, to have to wait and miss, like, a huge part of the match, that’s not fun for a fan.
“Yeah, I think maybe that should change.”
Whether a change to the rules will be made in the future remains to be seen, but it will certainly be something to look out for.
Jessica Pegula’s route to the 2025 US Open title
Having reached the final in 2024, Pegula will surely be full of confidence as she returns for another shot at US Open glory in 2025.
Placed in the same half of the draw as Sabalenka, Pegula won’t face the Belarusian in the final this time around, but could play her in the semis.
Jessica Pegula’s projected route to the final (By ranking)
- 1R – Mayar Sherif
- 2R – Yulia Starodubtseva
- 3R – [30] Dayana Yastremska
- 4R – [16] Belinda Bencic
- QF – [5] Mirra Andreeva
- SF – [1] Aryna Sabalenka
- F – [2] Iga Swiatek
The American hasn’t been given the worst of draws and is the favorite to advance to the quarterfinals from her section.
There, she could face a tricky test against the talented Russian Mirra Andreeva, although the teenager has yet to win multiple matches at a US Open tournament in her career to date.
She has also played just one match since Wimbledon in July, having struggled with injury recently.
If Pegula were to advance past Andreeva, then she would likely be rewarded with a rematch against the world number one.
The 31-year-old trails their head-to-head 2-7 and has lost three consecutive finals against Sabalenka.
Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka’s head-to-head record
She’d certainly be the underdog should they meet for a tenth time in New York, but you wouldn’t want to bet against Pegula, who continues to prove people wrong with her efforts on the WTA Tour.
Six-time major champion Iga Swiatek may well await her in the final, another tricky test for the world number four.
It’s not going to be easy for Pegula, but only time will tell if she can upset the odds and pick up her maiden Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows.
Pegula will begin her US Open campaign on Sunday, August 24, against Mayar Sherif, in the Arthur Ashe Stadium night session.