"I'll go with Jessica Pegula" - Former Grand Slam champion believes the American is the top contender to win her maiden Grand Slam title

Despite not having won a title in 2023 so far, Jessica Pegula has made a career-best start to the new year and former Grand Slam doubles champion Casey Dellacqua has taken notice of the American's rise.

Dellacqua, during a roundtable conversation for The AO Show, picked Jessica Pegula as the player who had the best shot at capturing a maiden Grand Slam title this year from among the current crop of rising players.

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Dubbing Pegula as a player who had all the makings of a Grand Slam winner, the Aussie said the World No. 3 could take the big step if a few things — such as a favorable draw — fell her way.

"Yeah look for me, I think Jessica Pegula's got to be up at the top of the list," Dellacqua said. "I think she's still continued a great run of form post the Australian Open over in Doha, she's made another final. I think she's got it all there."

"Obviously, we know how many matches you've got to win over the length of two weeks at a Slam and for things to fall your way in terms of draw," she continued. "But I do believe that she's putting herself in the best position."

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Besides Jessica Pegula, Dellacqua felt Maria Sakkari was the next best bet for a first-time Grand Slam champion. The former doubles World No.3 also took note of the depth of the women's game currently — while picking Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek as probable names that could dominate in 2023.

Dellacqua said that there were numerous contenders for Grand Slam titles on the women's side before circling back to Pegula and her chances of securing her first Grand Slam.

"So there's a lot of contenders on the women's side." Dellacqua said. "But if there's one that I think will win their first, I'll go with Jessica Pegula."