Jessica Pegula reflects on turning her season around and battling anxiety: “I decided to trust in the process”
WTA
Jessica
Pegula discussed the pressure she felt as she turned around her 2024 season.
The American had remained in the top 5 for almost two years, but inconsistent
results in the first part of the season put her on the brink of a significant
ranking drop.
However,
the world No. 3 rediscovered her best form during the hardcourt swing of the US
Open Series. Pegula suffered early exits in the second rounds of Wimbledon and
the Australian Open, and she skipped the French Open. After her disappointing
performance at SW19, Pegula won 16 of her next 18 matches, securing the title
at the Canadian Open and reaching the finals in Cincinnati and the US Open,
both ending in losses to Aryna Sabalenka.
Pegula
earned 2,950 points in her last three tournaments, despite only accumulating a
little over 1,500 points in the first seven months of the season. "I know
it was always possible, you can get hot, but that wasn’t necessarily on my
radar,” Pegula told the WTA. "Obviously, there were a lot of doubts. But I
trusted that the work I was doing and the mentality would come back."
"I
think at the end of the day, I decided to try and trust the process, trust the
training. Just because I missed half the year doesn’t mean I forgot how to play
at a top level. There are so many things I’m really proud of,” added the recent
US Open runner-up. "I had a lot of anxiety. I wasn’t feeling great. But
slowly, [the confidence] was able to build back a little bit."
The world
No. 3 came close to glory recently at Flushing Meadows, reaching her first
Grand Slam final, but suffered a defeat in two tight sets, 7-5, 7-5, to
Sabalenka. "You were so close to calling yourself a champion, and now
you’re calling yourself a finalist,” she said.
Pegula and Sabalenka at the 2024 US Open final.
“And that
kind of sucks. But at the same time, I broke through a lot of barriers. After
being upset for a couple of days, you come to the conclusion – everyone talking
to you about it and telling you: 'No, it was a really great match,’” Pegula
explained. "In the end, I’ve accepted and appreciated the moment
itself."
On her
debut at the China Open, Pegula claimed victory over the talented Diane Parry
6-1, 7-6(4). The 30-year-old player seems to have left injuries behind,
mentioning that she feels physically strong for the season's end, unlike in
previous years: "I’m not as worn out as I have been in the past,"
Pegula continued. "I’m a little bit fresher than other people. I’m happy
that it worked out. I can’t say I planned it that way."
"I
believe that every time I’ve come back from injury, I’ve always come back
better. Every time I’ve been out, I’ve returned stronger, ranked higher than
before. I think leaning on that past experience helped me."
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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