Jessica Pegula credits her increased confidence against top players as the difference in results this year as she beats World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to reach the semis of the WTA Finals 2023

From getting knocked out with no wins in 2022 WTA Finals to qualifying for the semifinals with one match still left, Jessica Pegula has come a long way.

Jessica Pegula credits her increased confidence against top players as the difference in results this year as she beats World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to reach the semis of the WTA Finals 2023

Jessica Pegula at the 2023 WTA Finals (Image via Tennis.com)

American tennis ace Jessica Pegula beat World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in her second group-stage match at the 2023 WTA Finals. This was Pegula’s second straight-set win at the season-ending championships, meaning she will qualify for the semifinals irrespective of her last match’s result. Her first win came at the tournament came against Elena Rybakina and Pegula has attributed her success to the increased confidence.

After her win over Sabalenka, the American said that she is not making a fuss out of the fact that her opponents are ranked higher than her. The 29-year-old claimed that playing against higher-ranked opponents has, in fact, helped her gain confidence to such a level that she now feels comfortable in those situations.

YouTube video
I feel more comfortable playing [top players] this year, I feel more confident. I don’t think it feels like such a big deal. Last year when I made Top 5, I think I psyched myself out a little bit -- not a lot. You have a couple of thoughts in your head -- do I really belong at that level?
Jessica Pegula said at the post-match press conference.

Pegula further stated:

FS Video
I was always good at beating those below me, but now you have to beat the one or two before you. I think you put a bigger emphasis on that. And I think this year, I’ve not really cared. I’ve had more confidence in those matches and that’s why I’ve got more top wins -- in big moments. I feel that’s where I’ve improved a little bit.”

This win for Aryna Sabalenka was extra special for Jessica Pegula because the American managed her first win over the Belarusian in five attempts.

Jessica Pegula buries the horrors of 2022 WTA Finals

Jessica Pegula made her WTA Finals debut last year when she qualified for the season-ending championships being the third-ranked player in the world. Pegula was drawn in the same group as Aryna Sabalenka, Maria Sakkari, and Ons Jabeur.

Jessica Pegula WTA Finals
Jessica Pegula (Image via Sports Illustrated)

Despite being the second-highest-ranked player in the group, Pegula could not reach the semifinals. In fact, she lost all three of her group-stage games. Even in the doubles event, Pegula and her partner Coco Gauff could not win a single game. This meant they were knocked out without even one win across the two events to their credit.

This year, however, things are different, both for Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff. While Gauff also made a winning start to the tournament, Pegula is already into the semifinals. The 29-year-old American will wait for the winner of the Elena Rybakina vs Aryna Sabalenka match to play her in the semifinals. From getting knocked out with no wins in the 2022 WTA Finals to qualifying for the semifinals with one match still left, Jessica Pegula has come a long way.

In case you missed!