Jessica Pegula’s US Open journey took an unexpected turn when she lost to American Madison Keys in the fourth round. Despite her World No. 3 ranking, Pegula’s Grand Slam success had been elusive, with no semi-final appearances in her seasoned career to date. All her other Grand Slam appearances this year have ended in quarter-finals, leaving fans wondering about Jessica Pegula attaining success in Majors.
In a dominating display, Keys overwhelmed Pegula with a 6-1, 6-3 victory, encountering minimal resistance from Pegula in such a high-stake encounter. This victory represented her maiden triumph over Pegula in their tour clashes.
Tennis enthusiasts took to social media to express their feelings post the American’s exit from the US Open. Showing their disappointment in Pegula’s performance, the fans reacted by saying, “I just don’t ever see it happening for Jessica Pegula at the Majors” and “Jessica Pegula has never looked worse. Never shows up in the big moment.” Many were far from kind.
Jessica Pegula has never looked worse. Never shows up in the big moment.#USOpen
— Josh Neal (@JoshLNeal) September 4, 2023
Critics pointed out that Pegula seemed disinterested in the closing stages of the match and questioned her decision to compete in both the doubles and mixed doubles categories. While she still remains undefeated in both, fans debated whether it was a wise choice.
Playing singles, doubles and mixed in a Grand Slam ; is it good for Jessica Pegula? #USOpen2023 @usopen
— Ashwin (@ashwinvenkates5) September 4, 2023
Tennis journalist Jose Morgado didn’t mince words, stating that “Pegula continues to have a Grand Slam problem” and describing her performance as “awful.” Some fans even questioned her potential to be a top-five-ranked player. Pegula’s struggle to make a breakthrough in Grand Slams remained a topic of discussion among fans and experts alike.
Jessica Pegula weary of playing too many doubles
Pegula’s matches at the US Open are nothing short of a tennis marathon, competing in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Pegula is no stranger to the doubles, often partnering with fellow American Coco Gauff to form one of the formidable doubles teams on the WTA Tour. When it comes to Grand Slams, Pegula doesn’t stop at doubles, she also dives into mixed doubles, raising eyebrows from tennis pundits.
Playing multiple matches on the same day, Pegula recognizes the challenges of her busy schedule. She points out, “So scheduling I would say is probably the main thing. Also physically, I mean, how you’re feeling and stuff is also part of it.” Mixed doubles provide Pegula with a fun way to compete, and she believes it can be enjoyable as long as she is physically fit and the scheduling is manageable.
This is the eighth (?) US Open match Pegula has played in eight days:
Four in singles
Two in doubles
Two in mixed doublesHow much could that – not so much physically as perhaps emotionally – be contributing to this low-energy performance?
— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) September 4, 2023
Jessica is playing singles, doubles and mixed doubles. Something has to give.
That is simply too much for her body. https://t.co/HC9ntP8Hcx
— The Nigeria Girl 🇳🇬 #Jesuslover #Joslover (@ruthtilleygyado) September 4, 2023
Her lackluster performance against Madison Keys in the fourth round has once again highlighted the demands of the modern game of tennis and how it can impact a player’s performance in multiple categories. It is a food for thought for Pegula going forward if she wishes to improve her singles performance on the Grand Slam stage!
