Despite Jessica Pegula’s Miami Heartbreak, Serena Williams’ Former Coach Can’t Stop Praising Her Grit and Strokes
Jessica Pegula’s Miami Open Heartbreak Earns High Praise From Serena Williams’ Former Coach
Tennis has long been dominated by rising teenage stars—Jakub Mensik (19) recently won the Miami Open, while Alexandra Eala (19) stunned the tennis world by eliminating Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek. Young talents like Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Emma Raducanu, and Aryna Sabalenka all made their mark before turning 20. However, Jessica Pegula is proving that success in tennis doesn’t have an age limit.
Late Bloomer, Big Impact
Pegula’s breakthrough came at the 2021 Australian Open, where she reached the quarterfinals just before turning 27. Ranked outside the top 60 at the time, she ended the year at No. 18 and kept climbing. In 2022, she reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, French Open, and US Open, securing her biggest title at the WTA 1000 Guadalajara Open. She finished the season at a career-high No. 3.
Since then, Pegula has remained a consistent force on tour, winning seven singles titles and reaching the US Open final in 2024, where she fell to Aryna Sabalenka. Her Miami Open run was no different—she fought past Anna Kalinskaya, Marta Kostyuk, Emma Raducanu, and Alexandra Eala to reach the final, where she faced Sabalenka once again but came up short.
Doubles Dominance & Praise From Rick Macci
Beyond singles, Pegula has left her mark in doubles—winning the 2022 French Open and climbing to No. 1 in doubles rankings in 2023.
Her grit hasn’t gone unnoticed. Serena Williams’ former coach, Rick Macci, took to social media to applaud her:
“At 31, the Buffalo Blaster is truly the American Master, ranked No. 3 in the world. Her mind and strokes are like granite. Has been No. 1 in doubles, and her all-court understanding troubles opponents. It’s not about where you start; it’s about where you finish.”
Chasing the US No. 1 Ranking
Currently ranked No. 4, Pegula is closing in on Coco Gauff (No. 3, 6,063 points) with 5,796 points. With Gauff exiting the Miami Open in the fourth round, the race for the top American spot is heating up.
Clay Season Begins in Charleston
Pegula has already shifted focus to the Charleston Open, where she is the top seed. This marks her 11th appearance at the tournament, which she first played in 2011 as a qualifier ranked No. 528. She reached the semifinals twice in recent years but missed much of last year’s clay season due to injuries.
“I know I’m seen as more of a hard-court player,” Pegula said. “But I believe I can do well on clay too. Hopefully, with some new intangibles in my game, I can have a strong clay season.”
Pegula opens her Charleston campaign on Wednesday against either Heather Watson or a qualifier. Can she carry her hard-court momentum into the clay swing?
Who will finish 2025 as the US No. 1—Jessica Pegula or Coco Gauff? Share your thoughts! 🎾
