"Her and Sabalenka are the ones to beat right now" - Jessica Pegula looks forward to 'great test' against Elena Rybakina at Miami Open 2023
Jessica Pegula is eagerly anticipating her next match against Elena Rybakina in the semifinals of the 2023 Miami Open.
The American entered the WTA 1000 event on the back of a runner-up finish in Doha, a last-four finish in Dubai and a third-round exit at Indian Wells. She instantly made amends for her average performance in California, picking up wins over the likes of Danielle Collins, Magda Linette and Anastasia Potapova.
The World No. 3 is determined to lift the title in Miami and spoke about her next opponent Elena Rybakina and the challenges that lie ahead in her post-match interview.
"I don't mind playing her, at least in the past," Jessica Pegula said. "Obviously, I think she's picked up her level since then, so it's going to be a really tough test, especially after this past match, to physically see how I feel as well. Hopefully, I can recover in time. At least I have another day. I feel like her and Sabalenka are the ones to beat right now, so it's going to be a great test and I think a deserved semi for a tournament like this."
Expectations are high from the 29-year-old this year after she finished last season on a high, winning the WTA 1000 Guadalajara Open. She began her campaign in 2023 in fine form, helping the United States of America capture the inaugural United Cup.
While the American's focus will be to push for the title in Miami, she also spoke about the brewing rivalry between Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka being cool for the women's game.
"I think there's always going to be someone," Jessica Pegula said. "That just shows the depth in the women's game, that anyone can step up and kind of take over. I think that's really cool that we have all these kinds of big players, star power in the game."
"I'm not expecting it because that was incredible" - Jessica Pegula on whether Iga Swiatek can recreate last year's form
Jessica Pegula weighed in on whether Iga Swiatek can emulate her miraculous form from last year.
The Pole chalked up 67 wins from 76 matches and title-winning runs at the 2022 French Open and the US Open. She also broke the record for winning the most consecutive matches on the women's tour (37) in the 20th century.
However, the World No. 3 has stated her reasons as to why she thinks it'll be difficult for Swiatek to recreate last year's form.
"I'm not saying [Iga Swiatek] can't do exactly what she did last year," Iga Swiatek said. "I don't think anyone, at least I'm not expecting it because that was incredible. I'm sure she's still going to play some great tennis and she's definitely playing like a true No. 1, and she's the one to beat. I guess we'll see as the year unfolds where it goes."