"I just said we needed to talk, and he was like, ‘It’s complicated,’ and just ran with it":Jessica Pegula jokingly breaks up in mixed doubles with Tommy Paul

Jessica Pegula produced an impressive all-round performance to defeat Jaqueline Cristian 6-4, 6-1 and book her place in the quarter-finals of the Miami Open.

The American at the Miami Open was particularly dominant on serve, striking six aces and winning a high percentage of points behind both her first and second delivery, something she joked is edging her closer to the game’s biggest servers.

“We’re getting there,” Pegula smiled on Tennis Channel. “I know I’m not quite at a Reilly Opelka or Taylor Fritz level, I saw they had a bit of a ‘bot-off’, but I’m not sure I’ll get there. I’ll take it for now.”

That serving performance proved key in a match that began competitively before Pegula took full control. After making a fast start, she admitted frustration at letting an early opportunity slip in the opening set. “I broke her first game and then held pretty quickly. I was up 40–love and kind of let that game slide, which annoyed me,” she said. “I had a short ball I should have put away and didn’t hit a good passing shot. I was hoping it wasn’t going to come back to haunt me later.”

However, Pegula’s focus on holding serve ensured she stayed in control. “I was really focused on my serve because I knew if I just kept holding, I was going to win the set,” she explained.

From there, the second set saw a clear rise in level as she tightened her returning and played with greater aggression. “I started returning a little bit better in the second set as well,” she said. “I think I just played a bit cleaner, went after my shots more, and tried to really get on her. She can be really dangerous when she’s on, so I was able to take control there.”

Pegula’s victory continues a strong run of form stretching back to the end of last season, with the world No. 5 feeling increasingly confident in the improvements to her game. “I’ve been playing really well since the end of last year, honestly,” she said. “I feel like I’ve gotten so much better at a lot of things we’ve been working on. When I see that evolving during matches, it gives me a lot of confidence.”

While acknowledging the natural fluctuations of tennis, Pegula believes consistency has been a major strength. “It still varies day to day, you never know when you’re going to play well or not, but I’ve been very consistent. I kind of know what I need to do out there and how to play,” she added. “And obviously serving well always frees up the rest of your game when you’re getting free points.”

Pegula also took time to praise the performances of her fellow Americans, with several making deep runs in Miami.

Among those impressing are Tommy Paul, Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe, while she also highlighted rising star Alex Michelsen.

“Frances, I just saw the score right when I walked in, amazing to take out the defending champion, especially someone who’s been playing really well,” she said. “I’m happy to see how he’s changed his mindset a bit this year and turned things around.”

She added that the quicker conditions in Miami have played a role in the success.

“I think these kind of faster conditions definitely help with the serving and stuff like that,” Pegula noted.

Pegula also revealed she had been closely following Hailey Baptiste’s run, admitting it gave her an extra boost before stepping on court.

“I was actually more fired up right before my match watching her,” she said. “I was really excited for her because she’s an incredible player and super talented.”

Off the court, Pegula laughed off talk of an “official breakup” with Tommy Paul in mixed doubles, suggesting the situation may have been exaggerated. “I don’t even know if we broke up,” she joked. “I just said we needed to talk, and he was like, ‘It’s complicated,’ and just ran with it.”

Despite the light-hearted situation, Pegula spoke warmly of Paul, noting their shared connections.

“We used to share some of the same team members, we had the same physio and share the same agent, so we’ve gotten to know each other pretty well. I’m happy to see him back playing well.”

Looking ahead, Pegula is preparing for another stern test against one of the tour’s elite, with players like Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina continuing to raise the standard at the top of the women’s game.

“Those girls have really pushed me to become better,” she said. “They make you realise you need to serve bigger, play more aggressive, and improve a lot of things if you want to beat them at their best.”

Pegula believes those rivalries are key to her development. “In a way, we’ve all pushed each other. That’s something that drives me,” she added. “I’ve had some really close matches where I feel like I could have taken a set, maybe in Australia or Indian Wells, but she’s been playing amazing tennis.”

Reflecting on the current level at the top of the game, Pegula was clear in her assessment.

“To me, they’re the top two right now when they’re playing well, I think they’re the best players in the world,” she said. “I’m just going to do my best and see what I can change this time. I love the challenge, that’s why I play.”

Pegula also teased an upcoming episode of The Players’ Box, hinting at some friendly banter aimed at her fellow American players.

“We kind of rag on some of the American guys,” she laughed, “but it’s out of love.”