“You’re still playing for points and money”: Jessica Pegula keeps it real after WTA Finals win

Jessica Pegula’s composure and clarity shone through after her straight-sets victory over Jasmine Paolini, a win that confirmed her spot in the WTA Finals semi-finals. While the scoreline — 6-2, 6-3 — seemed straightforward, the mindset behind it revealed a player deeply aware of the stakes. Pegula admitted she entered the match knowing she had to win in straight sets to stay alive, but she did so without letting the pressure dictate her tennis.

The American, who has made a name for her methodical and level-headed approach, confessed that she likes to know the scenarios in advance. “I like to kind of know ahead of time,” she said post-match, explaining that awareness helps her perform with purpose. Even with her spot on the line, Pegula played one of her cleanest matches of the season, handling Paolini’s variety and energy with calm precision.

That poise marked a clear evolution from her earlier encounter against the Italian at the Billie Jean King Cup finals, where Pegula suffered a painful defeat. This time, she made adjustments that showcased her adaptability and experience. “I went back to the basics a little bit,” she reflected. “You see how they’ve gotten better, so maybe how you used to play them doesn’t work the same anymore.” Her tactical clarity was matched by confidence — a combination that carried her into the semifinals for the second time in her career.

Pegula, now set to face Elena Rybakina — who won all three matches in her group — will look to improve on her previous best result at the WTA Finals, a runner-up finish in 2023. Having already secured qualification regardless of the final group scenarios, the 31-year-old enters the semifinal with a new kind of calm. But that doesn’t mean she’s not paying attention to the rest of the field — as she herself admitted, this is the kind of event where every match counts.

Unlike at regular tournaments, where Pegula says she can switch off after her own match, the WTA Finals bring a different level of intrigue. “Sometimes in other tournaments, you’re not really paying attention — you’re like, ‘I don’t care, I won,’” she said. “But I think here you pay attention a little bit more.” With multiple scenarios after every match, she found herself watching and hoping things would go her way.

Pegula’s candour about the mental side of competition gives a rare glimpse into the psychology of elite players during round-robin play. While many athletes insist they don’t check scores or think about permutations, Pegula’s honesty stands out. “What happens, happens,” she added. “I think I did a good job of putting myself in the best-case scenario, so whatever happens, happens.” It’s the mindset of a player who has learned to balance focus and acceptance.

Her semi-final clash with Rybakina — their first meeting since the 2023 WTA Finals promises a tactical battle. The Kazakh star, undefeated in Riyadh, will test Pegula’s consistency and counterpunching ability. For Pegula, this represents a chance to redeem earlier disappointments at the season-ending event, where her previous three appearances ended short, as her best result was at 2023, where she reached the final, but lost against Iga Swiatek. With experience and renewed confidence, she’ll aim to go one step further this time.

And yet, beyond the numbers and statistics, what defines Pegula’s campaign is her perspective. From acknowledging her mental growth to finding motivation in difficult losses, her reflections reveal a player increasingly comfortable in her own skin. “You’re still playing for points and money,” she said, “but the main thing is giving yourself a chance.”