The rivalry between Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka is quickly becoming a familiar sight on the biggest stages. Just last year, Pegula experienced the sting of defeat twice at the hands of the World No. 1, first in Cincinnati and then, more painfully, in the US Open final. As Pegula herself lamented after that second loss, “I’m just annoyed I lost right now,” a sentiment echoing her frustration with Sabalenka’s dominant play, capable of taking “the racquet out of your hand a lot of times.” Now, almost seven months later, the two are poised for another final showdown, this time at the Miami Open on Saturday, leaving the lingering question: will the third time be the charm for the American?
Jessica Pegula has been showcasing exceptional form this season. Following a final appearance at the Adelaide International in January, her strong play culminated in securing her first WTA title of 2025 earlier this month. It was her 7th overall career singles title as well. Now in Miami, Pegula’s managed to achieve a dominant run, being in her maiden final of the Miami Open. Ahead of the crucial encounter, she sat down for a presser, dated March 28, talking about her mindset. When put alongside the world No.1, as two of the best hard court players probably on the planet right now, Pegula said,
“I mean, I feel like I’m one of them, and I think she’s just a little bit better than me, results-wise, winning Australia, winning US Open, beating me Cincy, US Open. It’s going to be tough. Hopefully I can get the better of her here. That would be awesome. But, you know, I’m also really proud that, you know, I can put myself up there with one of the best hard court players in the world. Making another final of a 1000 is huge.”
Continuing further, she added, “Just super excited to where I put myself at the beginning of the year, and I have always felt like I could win this tournament. I have always had really good results, always gone deep. You know, sometimes at tournaments you have that feeling, and this has always been one of them. I’m happy I’m able to give myself a chance on Saturday.” And guess what?
Interesting fact: This Miami Open final is a significant occasion, marking the first time since 2014, when Serena Williams triumphed over Li Na, that two Top 5 players will contest the title. Adding to the stakes, the victor will also be the first player ranked within the Top 10 to claim a WTA 1000 title or higher this season.
Even former ATP pro and Serena Williams’ childhood coach, Rick Macci, thinks she can go on to lift a major in 2025! After witnessing her stunning campaign in Miami that included breaking Alexandra Eala’s dream run, Macci wrote on X, “Pegula has always been one of the best pure ball strikers on tour not to win a Slam. She can beat anybody anytime anywhere. One of the most rock-solid players off both wings. The Buffalo Blaster could grab a SLAM this year. @JessicaPeg96546.”
But there’s time to think about the Slams. As of now, Pegula’s only focus will be to outperform Sabalenka in Miami. Playing her fourth final this season, the Belarusian is bidding for her second title of the year (following Brisbane), 19th overall and 11th at WTA 1000 level or over. What is Sabalenka saying about the battle?
Aryna Sabalenka looks to win maiden Miami Open trophy against Jessica Pegula
Aryna Sabalenka‘s only heartbreaking loss has been that of missing out on the Australian Open. When she was expected to complete a three-peat, having won the Slam in 2023 and 2024, Madison Keys stunned her at the Rod Laver Arena. Apart from winning the Brisbane trophy and making it to the championship match down under, she also reached the title clash of Indian Wells a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, she couldn’t lift the trophy against 17-year-old prodigy Mirra Andreeva. Ask about her Miami this season!
Following her semifinal victory against Jasmine Paolini on Thursday, after overcoming opponents like Danielle Collins and Qinwen Zheng, Jessica Pegula said: “It’s very tough to bring your best tennis every time you’re playing there. Like, anyway, you’re struggling with something. I think the way that I was able to adjust to different, let’s say, issues of the game, and the way that I was able to fight no matter what, I felt like I’m definitely on a pretty high level right now.”
Last month, she failed to impress much during the Middle East swing. In Doha and then Dubai, she was ousted early in R32 and R16, respectively. Continuing further, she added, “Outside of February, that’s an incredible season, even though I had those tough finals. You know, we never lose. We only learn lessons. I’m really happy that I was able to give myself another opportunity, another final to learn the lesson finally and to get the trophy.”
On facing Jessica Pegula in yet another final, Sabalenka said, “It’s always great battles. Cincinnati was a great level for me, probably, but maybe not really from her. And then final was just like crazy match again. Yeah, she fought really hard in that second set, and that was tough match.” Adding another layer of intrigue to this Miami Open final is the history between these two players.
Sabalenka has had the upper hand in their previous eight meetings, leading 6-2. Her dominance on hard courts is also evident, with three of those victories coming on the surface. Pegula’s lone hardcourt win against the World No. 1 was at the 2020 Western & Southern Open in New York. Given this backdrop, will Saturday be the day Pegula finally breaks through? What’s your prediction for the final? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
The post “I Could Win” – Jessica Pegula Holds Her Ground Before Miami Open Final Battle With Aryna Sabalenka appeared first on EssentiallySports.
