“They’ve earned that right” – Pegula fine with not being part of top three conversation

World No 3 Jessica Pegula is fine with flying under the radar at this year’s Roland-Garros, as she shares her view on being excluded from the top three conversation in women’s tennis

Jessica Pegula of the U.S. in action during her first round match against Danielle Collins of the U.S. (AI/Reuters/Panoramic)

Bren Gray

May 29, 2023

No 3 seed Jessica Pegula took less than an hour and a half to dispatch former world No 7 Danielle Collins in the first round of Roland-Garros today. And yet she is flying under the radar as a threat for the title here at Roland-Garros 2023.

The American was strong on her first serve, winning 78% of points and striking 19 winners to 12 unforced errors. It was a match that could have been tricky, with Collins a former quarter-finalist at Roland-Garros, and Pegula coming into the tournament off the back of food poisoning last week.

Despite being ranked No 3 in the world, and cruising through her opening match, many are discounting Jessica Pegula from the top three conversation entirely.

Pegula unfazed by focus on Swiatek, Sabalenka and Rybakina

When Pegula is asked how she feels about being excluded from the top three conversation even though she is the world No 3, the American laughed heartily.

“That was just so funny,” she said, repeating to herself that she is seemingly not part of the conversation. “No, I’m not part of it, but hopefully one day I will be. Hopefully this year.”

On a serious note, Pegula stressed that Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina are the ones setting the pace in women’s tennis right now.

To see them being so consistent… They’ve earned that right.
Jessica Pegula on Swiatek, Sabalenka and Rybakina as the top three in women’s tennis

“To see them being so consistent… They’ve earned that right. They’ve been playing really solid tennis. Iga, we already know from last year. Aryna I felt like broke through in Australia as far as like winning a slam, but I think her results have always been up there. Then Elena at the end of last year as well.

“Hopefully I can be part of that conversation, but I think either way it’s still great for women’s tennis, especially because everyone always talks about the inconsistency and all this stuff.”

In a world full of big egos, it’s refreshing to see Pegula unfazed by the lack of attention she’s receiving at Roland-Garros.

Despite lead-up, Pegula happy to be in second round

With a difficult lead-up to the tournament, being under the radar may well be the perfect recipe for Pegula to thrive.

Across the beginning of the European clay court swing, the American had been harbouring an injury before sickness struck last week.

“It’s definitely been tough. I think Rome was tough. Yeah, I had a little bit of a nagging injury in Madrid and Rome. Then the two-week tournament. Then I got food poisoning last week.”

Pegula’s second-round opponent is Camila Giorgi, a two-time Grand Slam quarter-finalist who made the round of 16 at Roland-Garros last year.

“I saw I have a really tough draw as well, now playing Giorgi, who did well here last year,” Pegula said. “Playing Danielle today I was just happy I was able to really, like, hunker down and focus, because I don’t think I came in this week feeling my best or feeling the most prepared.”

Looking ahead to her second-round encounter, Pegula will need all the rest she can get over the coming two days.