Jessica Pegula claimed her fourth WTA 1000 title on Saturday, beating Elina Svitolina in the Dubai Tennis Championships final.
Pegula’s 6-2, 6-4 victory gave her a 10th career title and her first since the Bad Homburg Open last year.
It also broke an unwelcome pattern. Before Dubai, she had reached seven straight semi-finals without lifting a trophy.
Pegula is often regarded as one of the best players yet to win a Grand Slam. Her closest call came in the 2024 US Open final, where she lost to Aryna Sabalenka.
But Rick Macci thinks that could change soon.
Rick Macci backs Jessica Pegula to break through in Grand Slams
Macci, who has previously suggested Serena Williams could make a return to the tour at the US Open, shared his thoughts on Pegula after her victory in Dubai.
The renowned coach, known for his work with players like Andy Roddick and Maria Sharapova, is confident that the 31-year-old American is on the verge of Grand Slam success.
“Can Pegula win a slam? 100 per cent,” Macci wrote on X.
“She can beat anybody anytime, anywhere. She hits a clean laser off either side and can turn the tide.
“But mentally she is calm, cool and collected under the sun or moon, and will collect a major real soon.”
Pegula clearly has what it takes to compete at the highest level, but so far she has only made it to one major final. So what has been holding her back?
The WTA Tour’s depth could be part of the answer. Unlike the men’s game, where Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner stand out at the top, the women’s field has more contenders capable of putting together seven straight wins in a Grand Slam.
Jessica Pegula was ‘annoyed’ ahead of winning her first WTA 1000 title in Guadalajara
Pegula picked up her first WTA 1000 title at the 2022 Guadalajara Open, where she was seeded third.
The American star put together a strong run, defeating Elena Rybakina, Bianca Andreescu, Sloane Stephens, Victoria Azarenka and Maria Sakkari on her way to the title.
After her victory over Sakkari in the final, Pegula spoke to reporters about how she felt going into the tournament.
“Again, I feel amazing. I mean, there’s not really much else to say. I won the tournament. I’m so happy it was at a 1000 event.
“All the people I beat, my draw to get here, in my opinion, was honestly the toughest out of everybody. So I was a little annoyed when I saw the draw come out.
“But the way I’ve been able to manage it throughout the whole week, today I handled my nerves and emotions – just super proud of myself.”
Pegula has also found success in Canada, claiming back-to-back titles at the Canadian Open in 2023 and 2024.
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