Jessica Pegula shows her class in praising Iga Swiatek calling her a true champion following their WTA Finals title clash 

Jessica Pegula praise Iga Swiatek for her elite mentality.

Jessica Pegula shows her class in praising Iga Swiatek calling her a true champion following their WTA Finals title clash 

Iga Swiatek (L) and Jessica Pegula (R) with their WTA Final trophies (Image via Reuters)

The summit clash of the 2023 WTA Finals ended with Iga Swiatek clinching her maiden WTA Finals title and reclaiming the World No.1 ranking. Meanwhile, Jessica Pegula had a not-so-good end to a fabulous season. The 29-year-old American was defeated in straight sets in her last match of the season. Nevertheless, Pegula was graceful enough to heap loads of praise on Swiatek and call her a true champion. 

Jessica Pegula also thanked Iga Swiatek for pushing her to do better. The American was impressed with Swiatek’s ability to show up at every tournament with the same winning mindset despite losing matches. Notably, Iga Swiatek had a tough outing at the 2023 US Open as she was knocked out of the year’s last Grand Slam after a defeat to Jelena Ostapenko in the fourth round. 

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Swiatek also lost her World No.1 ranking to Aryna Sabalenka and she was pretty upset about it. However, the Pole promised to bounce back and she fulfilled that promise in the following tournaments. She made it to the quarterfinals in Japan before winning the titles in China and then Mexico. Pegula was impressed by Swiatek’s mentality.

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She's been, in my mind, the one to beat the last couple years. She's showing that even when she loses some matches or doesn't win the tournament, that she's still bouncing right back and is playing at a high level every single week. That's what a top player does, what a champion does, and I think she showed that.
Jessica Pegula said after the match. (H/T: WTA)

Jessica Pegula thanks Iga Swiatek for pushing her and others on the tour to do better

While praising Iga Swiatek and congratulating the Pole for her maiden WTA Finals title, Jessica Pegula also thanked Swiatek for pushing her to do better every year. The 29-year-old American also wished for Swiatek to have a great off-season and then a good start to the next season. Swiatek, meanwhile, stood at the sidelines and acknowledged the praise.

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Jessica Pegula and Iga Swiatek (Image via Tennis.com)
I want to say congrats to Iga and your team and family on an amazing year. Ending the year #1 winning & winning this tournament… You continue to push me to be a better player every year. It makes me a much better player. I really appreciate that.
Jessica Pegula said.

Jessica Pegula had a good 2023 as she won 59 matches and lost 18 in the singles event. She won two singles titles including a WTA 1000 event in Montreal. The 29-year-old American earned her second consecutive WTA Finals qualification after performing consistently on the tour. The American ends the year as the World No.5.

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