Jessica Pegula has enjoyed a stunning past week in Berlin, but sadly came unstuck during the final.
In the end, she was outplayed by a hugely in-form Linda Noskova, who capped off a stunning tournament with the title.
Despite being unable to win the whole thing, her run should provide plenty of confidence for the American heading into Wimbledon, where the field has arguably never been so open.
It truly feels as though anyone can win it, and Jessica Pegula will be further buoyed by the fact that she has just joined some truly legendary names on a rather exclusive list despite losing in the final.
Jessica Pegula makes history with Aryna Sabalenka win
Although she still needs a couple more to match the likes of Martina Navratilova, Serena Williams and Chris Evert, it’d be unwise to bet against Pegula soon matching their achievement.
After all, at 32 years old, she only seems to be getting better with age.
How do you rate Jessica Pegula’s chances of ever winning a Grand Slam?
The statistic in question has seen her become just the fifth player to claim three wins over world number ones after turning 30, with that aforementioned trio all boasting five.
Two of Pegula’s three wins have come against Aryna Sabalenka, whom she beat in the semi-final, winning the deciding third set by a decisive 6-0 margin. The other was over Iga Swiatek back in 2024.
The final player who is a part of this list is Virginia Wade, also on three wins.
It is for this reason that it was argued that Pegula vs Sabalenka is the most underrated rivalry on the WTA Tour.
Is Jessica Pegula a threat for the Wimbledon title?
Whilst superstars like Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina both falter, and defending champion Iga Swiatek looks unconvincing, there is certainly an opportunity for a new champion at Wimbledon this year.
And yet, despite the struggles of the top players, Pegula never seems to be mentioned in the conversation.
Who are you most worried about heading into Wimbledon – Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Coco Gauff, or Iga Swiatek?
Some of the biggest names on the WTA Tour are in poor form…
That is, despite being a Grand Slam finalist, and having regularly been at the business end of majors for half a decade now.
Coco Gauff remains unconvincing on grass, Amanda Anisimova will have to battle emotional scars from last year’s final, Mirra Andreeva is yet to play a grass-court warm-up event…
The more you comb through the WTA field, the more it feels like Pegula could take advantage of this uncertainty, particularly given she will be the fourth seed.
It’s also worth noting that Swiatek, who won Wimbledon last year, also lost in a grass-court final right before The Championships began.
