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.
Pegula breaks down after retiring friend Shelby Rogers
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.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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