Jessica Pegula has found herself at the centre of a rather unfortunate controversy at the moment, just as the WTA Finals are about to start.
She and seven other of the world’s best and arguably most in-form players will meet at Indian Wells next week to compete for perhaps the sport’s most prestigious prize outside of a Grand Slam title.
They will want total focus, as to claim this title it will take a sustained period of brilliance to overcome the top players in the world.
The last thing Jessica Pegula will have wanted was her comments about Mirra Andreeva broadcast to the entire world, as she disparagingly discussed the teenager with her coach during a recent practice session.
The American has yet to comment on the news that is dominating the tennis world right now, and with good reason.
However, amidst all the controversy and criticism, this could actually end up working in the WTA’s favour.
How the Jessica Pegula controversy could work in the WTA’s favour
Pegula’s comments about Andreeva actually dragged Coco Gauff into the equation, as the 32-year-old argued that if the young Russian had the same mentality as her compatriot, she would be a better player.
The WTA has since wiped all practice footage, and now only livestreams with the audio off.
Whilst everyone then rushed to see if and when Pegula could play Andreeva in the upcoming WTA Finals, a viable alternative has presented itself, as Pegula will actually face Gauff in her very first match.
This controversy will surely have only added to the intrigue of any potential showdowns, and for the future, a new rivalry could be born.
The current storyline is centred around the WTA Finals, and understandably so, but this could move beyond just this particular tournament.
After all, both Andreeva and Pegula are two of the world’s top players, both of whom have battled for the sport’s most elite titles. They are bound to meet at least a few more times in the coming years.
Now, a match that would have been entertaining anyway has a brand new dynamic, and one which could add a little more spark and bite to the proceedings.
And, it could still happen at some point next week.
What are the full WTA Finals groups and how could Jessica Pegula and Mirra Andreeva meet?
Sadly, Pegula and Andreeva have been drawn in opposite groups for the WTA Finals, and so could only meet in one of the two knockout phases.
The former stars in group one, which includes the world number one Elena Rybakina, Gauff, and the Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova.
| Seed | Group 1 | – | Seed | Group 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elena Rybakina | – | 2 | Aryna Sabalenka |
| 4 | Coco Gauff | – | 3 | Mirra Andreeva |
| 5 | Jessica Pegula | – | 6 | Elina Svitolina |
| 8 | Linda Noskova | – | 7 | Karolina Muchova |
Meanwhile, group two boasts Aryna Sabalenka, alongside Andreeva, Elina Svitolina and Karolina Muchova.
Only the top two players from each group will progress, with first in one group playing second in the other.
Therefore, for Pegula and Andreeva to meet, one would have to win their group whilst the other finished as a runner-up. Failing that, the final is the only other opportunity.
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Esta notícia foi originalmente publicada em: Fonte original