Jessica Pegula’s Big US No. 1 Opportunity Ahead of Miami Open Clash with Emma Raducanu
Jessica Pegula remains the last American woman standing at the Miami Open following Coco Gauff’s surprise fourth-round exit. With Gauff’s loss and Madison Keys’ early elimination, Pegula now has a significant opportunity to climb the WTA rankings.
Pegula’s Rankings Boost
- By reaching the quarterfinals, Pegula has matched her 2024 result, ensuring she doesn’t lose any ranking points.
- Madison Keys’ early exit means she will lose 55 points, solidifying Pegula’s position as world No. 4.
- Gauff, despite her fourth-round exit, remains ahead at world No. 3 with 6,063 points, while Pegula currently sits at 5,361 points.
Path to US No. 1
If Pegula wins the Miami Open, she will surpass Gauff in the rankings and reclaim the US No. 1 spot, matching her career-best ranking of world No. 3.
Here’s how her ranking points could change based on her performance:
- Quarterfinal loss to Raducanu: Stays at 5,361 points
- Semifinal finish: 5,536 points
- Runner-up finish: 5,796 points
- Winning the title: 6,146 points (overtaking Gauff)
Pegula is aiming for her fourth WTA 1000 title, having previously won in Guadalajara (2022) and back-to-back Canadian Opens (2023, 2024).
Challenges Ahead
Her immediate challenge is Emma Raducanu, who is enjoying her best run since winning the 2021 US Open. The Brit previously defeated Pegula in a close match at Eastbourne last year, though Pegula won their only hard-court meeting at Cincinnati in 2022.
If Pegula advances, she would likely face Iga Swiatek in the semifinals. While Swiatek has not won a title since the 2023 French Open, she remains a formidable opponent. Pegula holds a 4-6 record against Swiatek but won their last encounter at the 2024 US Open quarterfinals.
A potential final could see Pegula facing world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, making her path to the title even more challenging.
