Jessica Pegula Goes All In to Cheer On Team USA’s Mettle Amid Promising Billie Jean King Cup Qualifying Campaign
Despite opting out of the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers after a taxing run through the Sunshine Double and a triumphant Charleston Open, Jessica Pegula has remained a strong presence for Team USA. Her decision left many fans concerned, but a pair of fresh American faces—Hailey Baptiste and Bernarda Pera—have stepped up to keep the team’s qualifying hopes alive.
Team USA, the tournament’s most successful squad with 18 titles and 12 runner-up finishes across 60 appearances, got off to a perfect start against Denmark. Baptiste dominated her singles match, defeating Rebecca Munk Mortensen 6-1, 6-4. Pera followed with an emphatic 6-3, 6-1 win over Johanne Svendsen, showing poise and grit in her debut.
The doubles match sealed the deal. Desirae Krawczyk and Asia Muhammad teamed up to beat Laura Brunkel and Emilie Francati 6-4, 6-1, completing a 3-0 sweep for Team USA.
“I’m so proud of how our two rookies played some of their best tennis,” said Team USA captain Lindsay Davenport. “They did everything we discussed during practice—they played with heart. I’m thrilled for both Hailey and Bernarda. They earned this.”
Watching from the sidelines, Pegula couldn’t hide her excitement. She later posted on Instagram cheering her teammates on, writing, “Let’s gooo 🇺🇸” to celebrate the sweep.
The Road to the Finals
Baptiste and Pera weren’t even part of the original squad. Initially, Pegula and Danielle Collins were named in the lineup alongside McCartney Kessler, Asia Muhammad, and Desirae Krawczyk. However, after grueling schedules at Indian Wells, the Miami Open, and Charleston, both Collins and Pegula withdrew from the qualifiers, prompting the late call-ups.
Now, all eyes are on Sunday’s crucial tie against Slovakia—a team that has historically been a thorn in USA’s side. In three previous ties, Team USA has never beaten Slovakia. Just last year, they lost in dramatic fashion during the BJK Cup Finals, falling in a third-set doubles tiebreak.
The match-up is more than a qualifier—it’s a shot at redemption.
A win will secure Team USA a spot in the 2025 Finals in Shenzhen, China, scheduled for September 16–21. Other qualified teams include Italy, China, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and Spain. The losing side, meanwhile, will enter a playoff round in November for another shot at next year’s competition.
“We know Slovakia is tough,” said Davenport. “Their players elevate their game when representing their country. But my team is ready. We want this win—not just for qualification, but to settle last year’s score.”
Poll: What Do You Think?
Can Team USA’s rising stars outshine Slovakia and secure a Finals spot in the Billie Jean King Cup?
- Absolutely, they’re on fire!
- Maybe, but it’ll be tough
- No, Slovakia is too strong
- I don’t care as long as they give their best
