Martina Navratilova backs Jessica Pegula to defeat Iga Swiatek at the 2023 WTA Finals finding her game perfect for the conditions

Former tennis pro Martina Navrtaliova praises Jessica Pegula's physical and mental fortitude. 

Martina Navratilova backs Jessica Pegula to defeat Iga Swiatek at the 2023 WTA Finals finding her game perfect for the conditions

Martina Navratilova and Jessica Pegula (Credits: New York Post and CNN)

Martina Navratilova has expressed her support for Jessica Pegula, predicting an unexpected triumph over Iga Swiatek in the WTA Finals championship. She believes Pegula’s style of play is ideally suited to the difficult conditions in Cancun, where the tournament is taking place.

Once I saw Jessica playing in these conditions, I thought she’s got to be among the favorites. The way she played against Gauff, it didn’t even seem like it was windy on her side of the court. Jessica’s game is perfect for these conditions. If she can keep it up, I think she can definitely win.

Navratilova said via We Love Tennis
YouTube video

Jessica Pegula began the year-end championships with a bang, defeating fourth seed Elena Rybakina 7-5, 6-2 in her opening match. She then continued her winning streak by defeating top seed Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 6-3 to secure her spot in the semifinals. Pegula solidified her dominance by defeating eighth seed Maria Sakkari 6-3, 6-2 in her final round-robin match, winning the Bacalar Group.

In the semifinals, the American faced her doubles partner, Coco Gauff. Pegula made a strong start by breaking Gauff’s serve in the very first game. Gauff fought back to level the score at 2-2, but Pegula proved too strong, winning the next four games to take the set 6-2.

FS Video

Martina Navratilova heaps praises on Jessica Pegula

Throughout the tournament, Pegula has been in impressive form, remaining undefeated and displaying remarkable composure in the face of the windy and unpredictable conditions.

Jessica Pegula
Jessica Pegula (Credits: The Times Of India)

Martina Navratilova commends her playing style and mental strength. clean and consistent playing style, coupled with her ability to deliver powerful shots that remain unaffected by the wind reminds the veteran of tennis great Lindsay Davenport.

The 18-time Grand Slam winner said: 

It’s just a clean game, with the wind or against the wind. She reminds me of Lindsay Davenport, the way she’s hitting it. She doesn’t seem to hit it that hard, but it carries -- it’s a heavy ball and it gets through the wind.

Navratilova said: 

She mentioned in an interview that she made a conscious decision not to let anything bother her, and it shows."  The former World No.1 added "She has yet to lose a match and is playing with exceptional confidence. She has remained unfazed by the conditions here, and that mindset will undoubtedly assist her in upsetting Iga in a close match.

The American’s unwavering mental fortitude has been evident in her decision to let nothing distract her. This mindset has allowed her to maintain her concentration, even in the face of challenging conditions.

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