"She can beat anybody anytime, anywhere": Maria Sharapova's ex-coach backs Jessica Pegula to win Grand Slam in 2025

Ex-coach of the former world number one Maria Sharapova, Rick Macci, has predicted that America’s Jessica Pegula can win a Grand Slam this year. The 31-year-old is currently taking part at the Miami Open where she cemented her spot in the last-four after beating Britain’s Emma Raducanu in the quarterfinal with a score of 6-4, 6-7, 6-2.

Ex-coach of the former world number one Sharapova, Macci, who also worked with the likes of Andy Roddick, Serena Williams, and Venus Williams, predicted that Pegula can win a Grand Slam this year in a post on his official account on the social media platform X — previously known as Twitter.

“Pegula has always been one of the best pure ball strikers on tour not to win a Slam. She can beat anybody anytime, anywhere. One of the most rock solid players off both wings. The Buffalo Blaster could grab a SLAM this year,” he wrote.

Pegula does not have a great record while playing at a Grand Slam. Her best outing came in the US Open in 2024, where she finished as the runner-up after losing to reigning world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the final in straight sets with a score of 7-5, 7-5. Talking after the match, the reigning world number four admitted that it was a ‘tough’ outing against Raducanu.

"It was tough,” she said. “I played a good first set, a little let down in the second, got it back, went up 2-0 in the tiebreak, but the it kind of flipped. She started moving the ball really well, serving good ... sometimes it just happens, but I just wanted to come out in the third really strong, really quick, and just kind of jump on her and not keep the third set too close. I love playing here, I love playing at home, I love getting wins in the Dolphins stadium ... I always play really well here ... and I'm hoping the third time's the charm. I want to make it to that final so bad, and I'll give it another shot tomorrow night."