Jessica Pegula has revealed what she thinks her role is in American tennis after reaching the final of the 2023 WTA Finals in Cancun, adding that she still thinks her compatriot Coco Gauff is the "present and future" of tennis in the US.
World No. 5 Pegula has had a successful season, helping Team USA to victory at the United Cup in January and winning the WTA 1000 Canadian Open in August. Now, she has a chance to lift the trophy at the 2023 WTA Finals, with her final clash against Iga Swiatek set for later today, Monday, November 5.
In the semi-final, Pegula defeated her friend and doubles partner Gauff 6-2, 6-1. Nevertheless, the World No. 3 has also seen a huge amount of success this season, the highlight of which was winning her first-ever Grand Slam title at the US Open in September.
After the match, Pegula was asked what she thinks her role is in American tennis in light of the fact that the 29-year-old previously called Gauff "the star" of the sport in the US.
"Some days ago, when I asked you about being an icon for American tennis, you said Coco was the star. Today you beat her. How do you feel? What do you consider is your role as an American tennis player?" a reporter asked.
Pegula replied by saying that she wasn't sure what her role was, but that while she still thinks Gauff is the star, she is happy to be "one of the leaders" in American tennis overall.
"I don’t know what my role is. That’s a good question. Maybe another American player could tell me what my role is (smiling). Again, I think Coco is still the present and the future of U.S. tennis. I’m happy that I’m also at the top of the game and one of the leaders for all the Americans.
"That’s always really nice. That’s kind of where I see myself. I love being able to represent my country in that way. It’s an honor and really exciting. I’m not sure what my role is yet," she said.
Jessica Pegula was asked what her role is in American women’s tennis: “Some days ago, when I asked you about being an icon for American tennis, you said Coco was the star. Today you beat her. How do you feel? What do you consider is your role as an American tennis player?”…
