Jessica Pegula credits Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka for her development as a tennis player
Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek have enjoyed the status of being the World No.1 thanks to their Grand Slam success in 2024.
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Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula (via X)
Jessica Pegula has credited Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek for contributing to her growth as a tennis player in 2024. The American considers the World No. 1 and World No. 2 to be the benchmarks in the game today.
Pegula believes the evolution of the WTA, alongside the rise of Swiatek and Sabalenka, is positive for the sport overall. She looks forward to competing against both players in 2025 and beyond.
I’ve been so impressed by Aryna Sabalenka this year. Obviously, Iga has pushed us to be better. Now she’s kind of stepped it up and showing, ‘Hey, now I’m pushing everybody else to be better’. And I just feel like she’s gotten a lot better. She’s become such a more complete player. It seems like, mentally, she’s just dialled in and has figured it out. Her serve, which used to be her biggest liability at times, is now her best weapon on court.
Jessica Pegula said to Roland Garros
Pegula was set to face Swiatek in the final group-stage match at this year’s WTA Finals. However, an elbow injury ended her campaign, resulting in the Pole facing World No. 9 Daria Kasatkina instead.
So I think it’s motivating, and it’s inspiring, in a way, to see how much better she’s gotten.
Jessica Pegula added
Pegula had several matchups with Sabalenka in the latter half of 2024. They met in the finals at both the Cincinnati Open and the US Open, with the Belarusian winning both times.
Aryna Sabalenka optimistic about 2025 despite WTA Finals defeat
Aryna Sabalenka’s 2024 season may not have ended as she hoped, but the world No. 1 can look back on an outstanding year. Her run in the WTA Finals in Riyadh was cut short in the semi-finals, where she lost to Coco Gauff with a score of 7-6 (7-4), 6-3.
I think I achieved a lot this season, and there is no room for disappointment. I just have to be proud of myself. I won two majors, became world No. 1, and finished the year world No. 1 as I aimed to do last year. I’m super excited for next year. I want to push myself in those critical moments where I didn’t close out matches that I should have. I’ll continue to work on my game, focus on my mental strength, and ensure I’m in top shape come the start of the season to showcase my best tennis again in Australia.
Aryna Sabalenka said in the post-match press conference
Despite this loss, Sabalenka’s season record stands at an impressive 56 wins and 14 losses, along with four singles titles. She also achieved the coveted year-end No. 1 ranking, marking a major highlight of her career.
What makes Sabalenka’s season remarkable is the quality of her titles. She won two Grand Slam titles—the Australian Open and the US Open—and also captured two WTA 1000 titles at the Cincinnati Open and Wuhan Open. Additionally, she finished as runner-up in three other tournaments.
The Belarusian regained the top spot in the WTA Rankings after overtaking Iga Swiatek following the US Open. She held onto her No. 1 position, securing it for the year after Swiatek’s early exit in Riyadh. Against Gauff, Sabalenka struggled in a crucial tie-break, where Gauff jumped to a quick 4-0 lead. Although the top seed fought hard, costly breaks of serve allowed the American to close out the match.
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Fahad Hamid
(625 Articles Published)