Jessica Pegula defended her Charleston Open title on Sunday, defeating Ukrainian player Julia Starodutzewa in the final.
The American number two fought through four consecutive three-set matches in South Carolina before defeating Starodutzewa 6-2, 6-2.
By winning the title in Charleston, Pegula has continued her very impressive start to the 2026 season; during which she has won two WTA titles.
Pegula will hope her excellent form translates into Grand Slam success.
The American is yet to win a major title, with her best result coming at the 2024 US Open when she reached the final.
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For all her success on the Tour, Pegula has struggled to defeat the world’s top two players, Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina – both of whom have frequently defeated her at Grand Slam events.
With all that being noted, what is holding Pegula back from challenging Sabalenka and Rybakina for major titles?
Steve Johnson says Jessica Pegula is lacking the ‘massive weapon’ needed to challenge for Grand Slam titles
Steve Johnson, the former world number 21, discussed Pegula’s most recent triumph alongside Sam Querrey and John Isner on the Nothing Major Show.
Johnson, a winner of four ATP Tour titles, has suggested why Pegula may be struggling to defeat Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka at Grand Slam events.
“Hard to argue against that [Pegula being third best on Tour],” Johnson said.
“I mean she made quarters in Indian Wells and Miami, lost to Rybakina in both, and she beats everyone she is supposed to beat because she is so rock solid and her game… like you know what you are going to get every single day Jess steps out there.
“But I think sometimes, for her, that lack of a massive weapon is holding her back from the bigger titles, as we see with Sabalenka or Rybakina, that they can just hit through their opponents when needed.
“I need to hit an ace to get out of break point or I need to play a big five, 10 minutes and hit through my opponent. It’s tricky because you just expect Jess to go out there… and she’s had looks to kind of beat Rybakina this year.
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“She’s had chances in those events but it’s been a struggle for her to beat those top players because I think she’s lacking that big weapon.
“She does everything at such a high level, but even on the men’s side, the women’s side, to have that big forehand or that big backhand that can get you out of trouble, that’s necessary.
“But for Jess, it’s amazing [winning Charleston]. She just goes out there, took care of business. This was not an easy event.
“So for her, she was the defending champion, so to come back and get another title, congratulations to her. It was a big week, Charleston is a phenomenal place and I’m sure winning a title there is very enjoyable for the next couple days.”
After winning Charleston, Pegula is set to make her return to competitive play at the Madrid Open, which begins on April 21.
Pegula’s best result at the event to date occurred in 2023, when she reached the final before losing to Ons Jabeur.
Jessica Pegula’s record against Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina
Of the 21 matches Pegula has played against Sabalenka and Rybakina, she has won six.
The American has a losing record against both players: Pegula has won three of 12 matches against Sabalenka, and three of nine against Rybakina.
Pegula’s last victory against either player came during the 2025 Wuhan Open. In the semi-finals Pegula defeated Sabalenka 2-6, 6-4, 7-6.
Pegula, who won the final set tiebreak 7-2, expressed her delight after securing victory.
“For what I did in the tie-break, I’m just really proud of myself,” Pegula said, as per BBC Sport.
“I’ve played so much tennis the last few weeks, so many three-set matches, but I feel like I’m very tough right now and I’m just using that [feeling] as best as I can.”
