Pegula felt like she was “playing Serena” after losing to Sabalenka in Cincinnati final

Jessica Pegula compared Aryna Sabalenka to Serena Williams following the Cincinnati final on Monday. Sabalenka won the match in straight sets.

Jessica Pegula – Toronto 2024

Samuel Messberg

August 21, 2024

Jessica Pegula came within one win of pulling off the WTA 1000 summer double: capturing titles in both Canada and Cincinnati. After lifting the Toronto trophy, Pegula played in the Western & Southern Open final one week later. However, world No 3 Aryna Sabalenka was too powerful on Monday and beat Pegula 6-3, 7-5.

Despite the loss, Pegula maintained a sense of humor. During her on-court interview, the American compared Sabalenka to one of the greatest players of all time: Serena Williams.

It stemmed from a question posed by announcer Andrew Krasny following Pegula’s semi-final victory over Paula Badosa. Krasny asked the 30-year-old about playing “Aryna” in the final, but Pegula thought he said “Serena.”

“It was funny because in the semi-final, he said Aryna and I thought,” Pegula explained. “But it felt like Serena today with the way you were serving there for a little bit…. I don’t know, I may have wanted Serena instead of Aryna today.

“Congrats to you. You and your team over there, I know you guys are obviously a great team and put together a lot of hard work, and have had amazing results. Just keep going; it’s cool to see. I’m sure we’ll have many more battles; it’s always a challenge playing you. Congrats again.”

Sportsmanship at its finest 💜#CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/5e7S8k4ATe
— wta (@WTA) August 19, 2024

The two-week stretch sends Pegula off to the US Open as one of the favorites to win the title in front of the home crowd. Of course, Aryna Sabalenka — not Serena Williams — may have something to say about that.

Sabalenka will be the No 2 seed after passing 2023 Cincinnati champion Coco Gauff in the rankings on Monday. Gauff, also the defending US Open champion, is No 3. Iga Swiatek is the top seed as she bids for her first title at Flushing Meadows.