"Should be in the mix with her game": Connors believes Pegula should be in with a chance at US Open

Former World No.1 Jimmy Connors believes top-ranked American Jessica Pegula is ready to claim her spot as a Grand Slam winner at the 2023 US Open.

The retired ATP star picked Pegula as a title favorite at this year's tournament in New York, despite her uncanny ability to always fly under the radar at big events. Pegula is two weeks removed from the biggest title of her career, lifting the singles title at the recent Canadian Open.

On the latest episode of the "Advantage Connors" podcast, the eight-time Grand Slam champion spoke about how Pegula's recent level of play indicated she was ready to take the leap to Grand Slam glory.

"The players and, you know, they're yeah, their are progress and the way they're playing and how and the intensity and the excitement and the passion that they're showing," said Connors. "Yeah, you know, but Jessica Pegula, you know, is is one that should be in the mix with her game and, and all of that."

Pegula kicks off her US Open campaign with a first round match against the big-hitting and unpredictable Camila Giorgi.