Jessica Pegula reacts to WTA confirming her year-end Finals spot for 3rd year running; quips about "New Girl" reference
Jessica Pegula secured a place in the 2024 WTA Finals. She joined Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina and Jasmine Paolini, leaving just two spots open to compete at the prestigious year-end event.
Pegula debuted at the WTA Finals in 2022. She did not go past the group stage that year but ended one of her finest seasons as the then World No. 3. She qualified again in 2023 and displaying some of her finest tennis skills, played the likes of Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina to reach the final. She eventually lost the 2023 title to Iga Swiatek.
The WTA took to X to announce the World No. 4's third consecutive WTA Finals appearance. They made a lighthearted reference to the opening song of the show 'New Girl' and wrote:
"Who's that girl? It's JESS!@JPegula secures her spot at #WTAFinalsRiyadh this is her third consecutive year of making it to the #PIF Race to the WTA Finals!"
Jessica Pegula reacted to the post and shared her excitement at qualifying for the event.
"New girl reference is unmatched," she wrote using laugh-till-cry emoji. "excited to be back at the year end championships!"
The 2024 WTA Finals will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 2-9 November.
A brief look at Jessica Pegula's season so far
Jessica Pegula had a lukewarm beginning to her 2024 season with a second-round exit at the 2024 Australian Open. The American later withdrew from the Middle East swing struggling with neck injuries.
Meanwhile, Pegula parted ways from coach David Witt and teamed up with coaches Mark Knowles and Mark Merklein. She was back on-court with a semifinal finish at the San Diego Open.
Pegula reached the Miami Open quarterfinals before withdrawing from the French Open due to neck and back injuries. She won her maiden title of the year at the Berlin Open and followed it up with a successful title defense at the Canadian Open.
The highlight of Pegula's career came at the 2024 US Open where she reached her first Grand Slam final. Despite bringing some of her best tennis to the hardcourt Major, she fell to the eventual 2024 US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka. In a post-match interview (as per usopen.org), Pegula reflected on her performance and said:
“I just have a lot of awareness and perspective of what my journey has been like. What's always helped me as I have gotten higher ranked and become a better player is just keeping perspective.”
Jessica Pegula has registered a 38-13 win-loss record in the season so far. She will next be seen on-court at the Japan Open.