Jessica Pegula has major respect for Aryna Sabalenka and admits she is hoping to get a win over the world No. 1 at a Grand Slam tournament.
Since establishing herself as one of the best players in the world in 2022, Pegula has had several meetings against Sabalenka on the biggest stage. While the American was pretty competitive in the majority of their matches, she still won only three of their 12 encounters.
In 2024, Pegula made her first and lone Grand Slam final at the US Open. And it was Sabalenka who prevented the world No. 6 from becoming a Grand Slam champion after beating the home star 7-5 7-5 in the final at Flushing Meadows.
Last year, Pegula and Sabalenka clashed four times. The American won their Wuhan semifinal meeting, but fell short to the world No. 1 in the Miami final, the US Open semifinal, and their WTA Finals match.
Also, it is worthy mentioning that the Belarusian defeated the American in the final of the WTA 1000 tournament in Cincinnati in 2024.
Reflecting on her rivalry with the world No. 1 during her pre-tournament press conference at the Australian Open, Pegula stated that their matches feature a high level of tennis. Also, the 31-year-old admitted that the Belarusian pushes her to become a better player.
Pegula: I'm trying to strive to beating Sabalenka on a bigger stage
“Obviously, she has beaten me more times, but I think we tend to bring out some really good tennis in each other. You know, matchups like that just happen. It happens to be for me and Aryna, we tend to have some pretty crazy matches. Really high level I have always thought," the world No. 6 said.
“It is fun. She challenges me. You know, pushes me to figure out how to become better. I think at the end of the day that's kind of what I try to take away from some of the tough matches. Even though I feel like I've had some chances to win them, and beating her on a bigger stage would be something that I am trying to strive for, especially at big tournaments."
Pegula and Sabalenka landed in the opposite sides of the Australian Open. So for the American to possibly meet the Belarusian, she will need to reach her first final at Melbourne Park.
