Jessica Pegula has built a name for herself in the upper echelon of women’s tennis—not by thunderous power or raw athleticism, but by outlasting, outsmarting, and outworking her opponents. Yet even for a player sitting comfortably in the world’s top 10, comparisons to Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek come with humility and honesty.
In a recent interview that had tennis circles buzzing, Jessica Pegula admitted the specific areas where Sabalenka and Swiatek still outshine her, and in doing so, offered one of the most candid and self-aware takes we’ve seen from a top WTA player in recent years.
More than just a confession, Pegula opened up about her psychological growth on tour—including how she used to be ‘scared’ of facing certain players. It’s a rare glimpse into the mind of a top athlete constantly evolving, and it’s made her even more relatable to fans around the world.
Let’s break it down.
Rising Through Grit, Not Glamour
While Pegula’s rise to the top of the WTA rankings has been impressive, it’s been far from flashy. She’s not the most powerful hitter, the fastest mover, or the most physically dominant presence on the court. What she is, however, is a tennis intellect—a player who reads the game, exploits weaknesses, and refuses to go away.
In an era where Iga Swiatek dominates with heavy topspin and tactical precision, and Aryna Sabalenka bulldozes opponents with raw power and aggression, Pegula’s consistency and mental toughness are her calling cards. But she acknowledges there’s still a gap.
“They Have a Gear I Don’t Always Have”
In her own words, Pegula admitted:
“Iga and Aryna have this extra gear. When the match gets tight, they can hit through you or come up with something huge. I don’t always have that, and that’s okay—but it does mean I have to find different ways to win.”
This level of honesty is refreshing in a sport where mental games and bravado are part of the package. Pegula’s assessment highlights a fundamental truth of tennis at the elite level: not everyone can be a Swiatek or Sabalenka, but that doesn’t mean you can’t beat them.
What Pegula lacks in that “next gear” of physical dominance, she compensates for with adaptability, clean technique, and an uncanny ability to stay in points that others would surrender.
The ‘Scared’ Admission: More Than Just Nerves
Perhaps the most striking moment in the interview came when Pegula confessed to being “scared” earlier in her career—scared to play aggressive players, scared to fail, and even scared to embrace her own strengths.
“I used to be scared of girls who hit really big. I’d go into matches thinking I had to play defense the whole time, or that I’d have no chance if I didn’t play perfect. It took me a long time to realize that playing safe wasn’t going to get me anywhere.”
This psychological evolution is something almost every athlete faces, but rarely do they speak so openly about it. For Pegula, it meant challenging her own mindset, learning to be the aggressor when necessary, and—perhaps most importantly—believing she belongs at the top.
It’s easy to forget that Pegula didn’t burst onto the scene in her teens like Coco Gauff or Emma Raducanu. Her ascent has been methodical, even a bit quiet. But that quietness has allowed her to grow without the crushing expectations that many top players face.
The Power Gap: Why It Still Matters
So what exactly is Pegula referring to when she says Sabalenka and Swiatek are still better than her?
1. Pure Physicality
Sabalenka’s game is built on power—her forehand is a wrecking ball, and her serve can dominate entire service games. Pegula, while solid in all areas, doesn’t have that same physical intimidation factor.
2. Match Control
Swiatek can seize control of a match in a way that few others can. Her ability to dictate with depth, angles, and spin makes her nearly impossible to disrupt when she’s in rhythm.
3. Breakthrough Moments
In Grand Slam semis and finals, Sabalenka and Swiatek have delivered. Pegula has made quarterfinals consistently but hasn’t yet had her breakthrough moment on the biggest stage. She’s acknowledged this as an area where her rivals currently hold an edge.
Why This Honesty Matters
In the social media age, athletes are often expected to project confidence at all times. Vulnerability can be mistaken for weakness. But Pegula is showing that vulnerability and self-awareness are actually strengths.
By naming what she sees in her opponents, she’s also naming what she’s working on. Her mindset isn’t defeatist—it’s developmental. And that’s what makes her story so compelling.
Pegula’s Strength: Stability in a Storm
The WTA has seen a lot of fluctuation at the top in recent years. Since Serena’s decline, no single player has dominated the tour for a decade like before. Swiatek and Sabalenka are leading the charge now, but Pegula has quietly been one of the most consistent performers in the last three seasons.
Her presence in quarterfinals, semifinals, and deep runs in WTA 1000 events isn’t a fluke—it’s the result of a player who’s maximized her strengths while slowly chipping away at her limitations.
She might not be the most explosive, but she’s one of the most dependable. And in tennis, that counts for more than you think.
From ‘Scared’ to Self-Aware
Pegula’s story is also one of personal growth, not just athletic improvement.
She’s gone from being nervous in the locker room about who she might draw, to being the player others are hoping to avoid. She now walks onto the court believing she can beat anyone, even if she doesn’t always have the same weapons.
In her own words:
“You realize after a while that fear doesn’t win matches. Belief does. Even if someone hits harder, even if they’ve won Slams, you still have a chance. That’s the mindset I’ve learned to play with.”
A Role Model in a Different Way
Jessica Pegula might not get the same spotlight as Swiatek, Gauff, or Sabalenka, but her story is incredibly important for fans—especially young players who don’t see themselves as overpowering or flashy.
She’s showing that you can climb to the top without being the biggest, the strongest, or the most naturally gifted.
What you need is resilience, a strong tennis IQ, and a willingness to be honest about your weaknesses so you can turn them into strengths.
What’s Next for Pegula?
With the clay and grass seasons approaching, Pegula has an opportunity to rewrite her Grand Slam narrative. She’s reached six Grand Slam quarterfinals but hasn’t yet pushed through to a final.
Will 2025 be the year?
If her mentality continues to evolve—and if she’s able to blend her solid baseline game with a touch more aggression—it just might be. And wouldn’t that be something? The player who once admitted to being “scared” now fearlessly charging through the draw at Roland Garros or Wimbledon?
Pegula’s evolution isn’t just a tennis story—it’s a human story. And that’s what keeps fans watching.
Final Thoughts: Why We Root for Jessica
In a world where athletes are often expected to project invincibility, Jessica Pegula stands out by showing us the power of vulnerability. She’s not afraid to say where others are better. She’s not afraid to admit that she used to be scared.
And that honesty makes her journey not just admirable—but inspirational.
If you’ve ever doubted yourself, felt like you didn’t belong, or worried you weren’t “good enough” in a world of giants, Pegula’s story is a reminder that growth is possible, and belief is stronger than fear.
We’ll keep watching, not just to see if she wins—but to see how far her honesty, humility, and quiet confidence can take her.
Because in a sport of power and noise, sometimes it’s the quiet ones who make the biggest impact.
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