"We grew up playing juniors together”, Pegula in tears after ending Shelby Rogers' career

Jessica Pegula broke down in tears after ending the career of her long-time friend Shelby Rogers. World No. 6 Jessica Pegula secured a 6-4, 6-3 victory in the first round of the US Open, marking the final professional match for Shelby Rogers.

World No. 356 Rogers decided to retire from professional tennis after battling persistent injuries, with her loss to Pegula at Arthur Ashe Stadium serving as her farewell to the sport.

In an emotional moment following the match, Pegula broke down in tears during the on-court interview when asked what it meant to defeat her friend Rogers in her retirement tournament: "Oh gosh, I am going to get emotional too. Congrats on a great career, amazing, seriously I am getting emotional. Sorry, I am getting more emotional. I remember just playing 16 under Southerns with her and now we are here, and I think it’s so cool," Pegula said.

"We grew up playing juniors together, grew up in the same sections, and it’s really crazy that now we get to play a night match at [Arthur] Ashe. Obviously, she has had some amazing wins here, amazing results here at the US Open," she added.

Pegula also shared her best wishes for Rogers as she transitions away from the WTA Tour: "I am sure I’ll see you in Florida, and we’ll take our dogs on more playdates. I’ll get to hang out with you and John [Slavik], and congrats to you and your family and everyone that’s here and your team. I know you have been through a lot with injuries and all that stuff, so I just wish you all the best in the next chapter," she added.

Pegula advanced to the second round of the tournament and will face a tough challenge against former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin (No. 54), who secured a significant victory over Emma Raducanu in a first-round clash of Grand Slam champions.