“There is no reason why you can’t win the US Open” – Lindsay Davenport has faith in Jessica Pegula lifting the title in New York

After narrowly missing out on the US Open title last year, American tennis star Jessica Pegula has been tipped for major success by former World No.1 Lindsay Davenport.

Pegula, who lost in the 2024 US Open final to Aryna Sabalenka, has continued her rise in the WTA rankings and now holds the World No.3 spot, surpassing fellow American Coco Gauff. The Buffalo native has already collected two titles this season and currently finds herself in the quarterfinals of the Stuttgart Open.

Speaking on The Tennis Channel, Davenport praised Pegula’s development and consistency:

“It’s interesting because I really thought Australia would be great for her,” she said. “She had momentum from reaching the US Open final, and those fast conditions in Australia really suit her. She just didn’t play her best tennis there.”

Davenport highlighted Pegula’s strong rebound this spring, referencing her deep runs in Miami and Charleston:

“It’s been impressive to see her bounce back. Last year it was [Danielle] Collins with the hot streak; this year it’s Jess. She’s refining her serve to become more of a weapon, and shot for shot, she strikes the ball as clean as anyone out there.”

Pegula has also added a reliable drop shot to her game—an evolution that Davenport believes is key to competing at the highest level.

Perhaps most importantly, Pegula’s psychological breakthrough—finally getting past the quarterfinal stage of a Grand Slam—could be the turning point in her career:

“Indoor clay suits her well, and although Roland Garros might be the toughest for her, there’s absolutely no reason she can’t win Wimbledon or the US Open,” Davenport emphasized. “I love the way she plays and I hope she gets another shot at a major title.”