Jessica Pegula Set to Overtake Coco Gauff in Major American Tennis Shakeup
Jessica Pegula is on the verge of a historic shift in American tennis following her hard-fought Miami Open semifinal victory over rising star Alex Eala. The 31-year-old, long in the shadow of compatriot Coco Gauff, battled through a grueling three-set match (7-6[3], 5-7, 6-3) to reach her first Miami Open final—an achievement that could see her surpass Gauff as the new US No. 1.
Pegula’s Rise to the Top
Pegula’s deep run in Miami is more than just about a title—it’s a strategic push up the rankings. Coming into the tournament, Gauff held a 702-point lead as the top-ranked American. However, Pegula’s impressive performances have slashed that margin significantly. By reaching the final, she has added 435 points, bringing her total to 5,796.
Gauff, meanwhile, was eliminated in the fourth round for the second consecutive year, keeping her points stagnant at 6,063. A victory over world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the final would lift Pegula to 6,146 points—enough to dethrone Gauff and reclaim her career-high WTA No. 3 ranking.
The Final Test: Aryna Sabalenka
To complete her ascent, Pegula must overcome a formidable opponent in Sabalenka. The Belarusian holds a dominant 6-2 record against Pegula, including convincing wins in the Cincinnati and US Open finals last season. Known for her relentless power and strong start to 2025, Sabalenka remains a tough challenge.
However, Pegula’s refined game and newfound aggression, evident in her Miami Open resilience, suggest she’s ready to rewrite the script and take control of American tennis.
