"She doesn't have a huge weapon": Martina Navratilova says Jessica Pegula needs to get out of her comfort zone ahead of WTA Finals

Martina Navratilova analyzed Jessica Pegula shortly before her debut at the WTA Finals and even compared her to Simona Halep.

The season is coming to a close, and Cancun will be the venue for the 2023 WTA Finals, which kick off on October 29 and run until November 5. With the group draw finalized, the tournament's first match will feature the world No. 5, Jessica Pegula, facing off against the former Wimbledon champion, Elena Rybakina.

The American has maintained her position within the top 5 throughout the year, thanks to her remarkable consistency, even though she didn't manage to advance beyond the quarterfinals in any Grand Slam.

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova shared her insights on Pegula with the WTA website and advised her to take more risks, stating that she won't be able to challenge the top-ranked players if she continues to play the same way.

“Jessie still needs to get out of her comfort zone. When push comes to shove, she plays it safe -- and she needs to not do that. Playing it safe, she’s not going to beat the players that are ranked higher than her.” Navratilova said.

“It was kind of like that with Simona Halep. Early on at Wimbledon, in the big moments, she backed away from the baseline. When she started being more aggressive positionally, crowding the baseline, that’s when she started winning majors. And I think Jessica needs to do the same,” 18-time Grand Slam champion added.

“She doesn’t have a huge weapon and can make up with it in more aggression, shot selection and court position. You don’t have to hit the ball harder, but hit it closer to the line. Sit down on the baseline to take time away from your opponent,” Navratilova concluded.

Pegula will open the Finals by facing Rybakina and leads their head-to-head (h2h) record 2-1. Their only encounter this year was at the Miami Open, with Rybakina emerging victorious with a score of 7-6(3), 6-4.