“I’ve been on autopilot grinding through some unhappy times,” Jessica Pegula opens up on her heartbreaking loss in Miami as she lives her childhood dream

The American ace has not been in her best form this season.

“I’ve been on autopilot grinding through some unhappy times,” Jessica Pegula opens up on her heartbreaking loss in Miami as she lives her childhood dream

Jessica Pegula (Image via Imago)

American tennis star Jessica Pegula was knocked out of the 2024 Miami Open after a defeat to Ekaterina Alexandrova in the quarterfinal. The 29-year-old was ousted from the Masters tournament after losing to below-ranked Alexandrova in three sets of 6-3, 4-6, 4-6.

Nevertheless, Pegula enjoyed her campaign as she penned an emotional note on social media following her ouster.

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The World No. 5 thanked the fans for their love throughout the tournament. Pegula also talked about her journey on the tour in the past few years which she calls “draining“. The 29-year-old said that she has been in “autopilot mode” for some time now.

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However, Pegula is thrilled about the love she has received from the fans. The American says that she finds happiness in signing autographs for young fans because she is reminded of her childhood. She also talked about enjoying the process.

Gosh @miamiopen that was the most fun I’ve had all year. I really wanted that one…but thanks to the amazing crowd tonight. It’s been an interesting year for me but honestly, I can walk away this week saying I feel like I’m getting back to enjoying the process. The last few years personally and on court have been draining, I’ve been on autopilot and grinding through some unhappy times.
Jessica Pegula wrote in her post on Instagram.

Pegula says that she wants to focus on the love she receives and will develop a habit of embracing it. 

One thing I do want to change is embracing the love and support of fans. What I do is really cool, exhausting, definitely….but to be doing what I’ve dreamt about doing since I was 7 years old and signing autographs to kids who were just like me is really the COOLEST thing on earth. So thank you for all the support, always
The American WTA star added

Jessica Pegula slowly getting into her rhythm

Despite bowing out of the Masters tournament in Miami, Jessica Pegula is looking at the positives, and it might only help her get back to the top. The 29-year-old is still searching for her first title of the 2024 season.

Jessica Pegula
Jessica Pegula (via Imago)

Pegula started her season at the 2024 United Cup and had a decent outing where she won and lost a match each. At the Adelaide International, the American ace made it to the semifinals, but an injury forced her to retire. In the first Grand Slam tournament, the Australian Open, Pegula suffered an early exit, losing to Clara Burel.

The American also made a big decision to part ways with her longtime coach. Pegula then returned to the San Diego Open, making it to the semifinal. But she faced another heartbreak at the Indian Wells Open where she was knocked out in the second round.

Nevertheless, last year’s WTA Finals finalist got her act together at the Miami Open, where she reached the quarterfinals. Pegula beat the likes of Leylah Fernandez and Emma Navarro on her way to the last eight.

Although she failed to go past Alexandrova, the American would be happy about coming this far amid all the setbacks, and as it seems, Pegula is slowly regaining her lost rhythm. 

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