"It kind of kills the whole team atmosphere, to me": Jessica Pegula sees potential of facing American for a medal at Olympic Games as 'bizarre'
WTA
American tennis star Jessica Pegula believes that the new
format to be adopted at the Olympics is ‘bizarre’. According to recent media reports, players
will go up against their fellow countrymen and women.
Pegula was recently quoted in a report where she stated that
the new format will be a bizarre one as it will take away the ‘whole team atmosphere’.
"I just think it's weird that you could, like you
should play as a team. I don't understand that I could play against another
American,” said the world number three. “Like, that's just kind of a bummer. It
kind of kills the whole team atmosphere, to me.
“I think [a team format] would just be more fun to me, and
it brings more of the Olympic atmosphere to it. It's weird when you can still
play each other. To me, that's just bizarre.
"When I played doubles the last time, it almost felt
more fun because we were the only doubles team left for our team and everyone
was behind us and everyone wants you to win.
"I don't know. It would be weird playing each other for
such a big moment and having the same coaches or the same team with you the
entire week to me is weird. I would love if it changed to more of a team aspect.”
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
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