Pegula returns to site of first WTA 1000 final at Madrid Open: "Definitely was a big step for me"

World No.3 Jessica Pegula had her breakthrough moment last year at the Madrid Open, where she went on an amazing run to reach the final of the WTA 1000 event.

Pegula would lose to Ons Jabeur in the final, but believes the moment showed she could hang with the top stars and tour and greatly increased her confidence.

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“That was my first 1000 final, definitely was a big step for me, let alone being on clay, I think was kind of a little bit of a surprise, to myself and other people," said the American." But it gave me a lot of confidence I think, starting the whole clay swing going into the French Open, it really helped.

“It definitely changed my perspective of what I could do at big events. I was always close but I think making that final was a big deal. And I had a really good match with Ons, who had a really great clay-court season that year, I think final in Rome as well. So definitely gave me a lot more confidence on the surface.

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“And I think that helps when you’re looking at the year, knowing that you could still do well on the clay is always helpful. I think it just kind of knocks down a barrier in your brain a little bit about where your perspective is and where you can go when you’re playing these big events.”

The 29-year old begins her 2023 Madrid campaign against Magdalena Frech on Friday.