"How do I become No.2, win this tournament, get more titles?": Pegula onto next goal after becoming top American

Jessica Pegula aims to climb even higher in the rankings and compete for major titles.

Currently ranked World No. 3, Pegula is the highest-ranked American tennis player, including both ATP and WTA rankings. After defeating Danielle Collins in the round of 16 at the Miami Open, she made statements regarding her privileged position compared to her compatriots.

“It has been very rewarding and fun, though, to hear it announced before every single match. I think it’s so much fun. Especially in the States, you really see people respond to that. Even No. 1 women’s player. I’m like, No, I’m the No. 1 men’s and women’s player in the U.S.”

“It’s just fun. I think it’s a cool thing that I get to say and I get to hear. People really obviously respond. People that don’t even watch tennis, when they hear that, it’s like an automatic, Oh, wow, you must be really good. I think that’s really cool. I think it’s gained a lot of respect throughout the tennis community, tennis fans, even ex-players, people that work the events. It’s surreal. It’s bizarre,” Pegula added.

The 29-year-old tennis player continues to aim for new goals and win more titles.

“I think it’s one of those things that once you accomplish it, it’s kind of like I wouldn’t want to say it’s checked off, but you did it, and then there’s another challenge. Then how do I become No. 2, win this tournament, get more titles? There’s always something else that you’re chasing. I’m kind of like ‘next goal’. I want to accomplish the next thing. But staying the top-ranked American is something I want to keep doing. That’s also another goal,” said the American.

In the next round of the Miami Open, she will face Magda Linette, who was a semifinalist at the last Australian Open.