Jessica Pegula has sent a strong message after her US team suffered Billie Jean King Cup heartbreak on Sunday.
The US team, who last won the competition in 2017, were defeated by an Italian team boasting Olympic Gold Medallists Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani.
However, the electric doubles pair were not needed, as Elisabetta Cocciaretto and Paolini won their singles matches, defeating higher-ranked opponents in the process.
Consequently, this loss marked a missed opportunity for the American team.
Lindsay Davenport’s squad boasted two top-20 singles players and the world number one in doubles. However, despite their obvious strength as a team, the American squad failed to snap an eight-year BJK Cup drought.
Jessica Pegula, who lost the decisive singles match to Jasmine Paolini, reflected on the tie in a defiant social media post.
‘We will get our chance again’
Pegula, who recently made the US Open semi-finals, will have been mightily disappointed following her loss to Paolini on Sunday.
The American world number seven rarely threatened during the contest, falling to Paolini 6-4, 6-2.
However, the 31-year-old has remained resilient, issuing an unyielding response after her nation’s loss.
On Instagram, Pegula said: “Had a great week with this team making the finals of the Billie Jean King Cup.
“We will get our chance again.”
While the Americans have struggled over the past few years, it has been a different story for Italian teams.
The country’s latest BJK Cup triumph is far from its only significant milestone during recent years.
Italy repeat as champions
Italy are fast becoming the most dominant tennis-playing country of this generation.
Both the male and female outfits hold significant titles in the sport as defending champions of the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup.
In fact, both outfits are now two-time defending champions.
The men’s team will have the opportunity to win a third straight title when they play at the Davis Cup, which starts on November 18.
