Jessica Pegula admits where Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek are still better than her and explains why she used to be ‘scared’

Jessica Pegula has opened up about how she compares to fellow WTA stars Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, acknowledging the areas where they’ve achieved more — but also celebrating her own consistent rise.

The world No. 3 has had a strong start to her 2025 season, winning titles in Texas and South Carolina. That puts her among an elite group — including Sabalenka, Madison Keys, and Mirra Andreeva — to have won multiple titles this year.

Ahead of the Stuttgart Open, Pegula spoke candidly in a press conference about her place among the top players.

“Even though I might not have the biggest titles like Aryna or Iga, I feel like consistency is my strength,” she said.
“It’s not a Slam yet, but I’m proud I can show up week after week and deliver good results.”

Pegula is set to begin her Stuttgart campaign against either Sara Errani or Magdalena Frech. Reflecting on her earlier career, she admitted she once feared becoming a one-hit wonder.

“I was always scared to have one big result and then fade,” she explained.
“After reaching my first Slam quarterfinal, I had to play qualifiers in Doha — I didn’t want to be the player who breaks through and disappears.”

But the American has surpassed her own expectations, becoming one of the tour’s most consistent performers.

“Honestly, I surprised myself. I didn’t think I’d stay a top player this long,” she said.
“Even breaking into the top five and going deeper at Slams — I never imagined I’d do that consistently. Maybe it’s my mindset, maybe I’ve just stayed relaxed. It kind of happened naturally.”

Career Comparison: Pegula vs. Swiatek and Sabalenka

While Pegula has yet to capture a Grand Slam, she came close in 2024, reaching the US Open final before falling to Sabalenka. Now, at 31, she’s aiming for her ninth WTA title — and perhaps that long-awaited major breakthrough.

Pegula plays her Stuttgart opener on Thursday, April 17.