NEW YORK — American tennis star Jessica Pegula has opened up about a brutally intense practice session with Aryna Sabalenka ahead of the 2023 US Open, revealing the Belarusian world-beater "killed me" in a hitting session that left her questioning her own preparedness for the final Grand Slam of the year.
In a candid interview following her fourth-round victory, the fifth-seeded Pegula admitted she was surprised to have reached the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows, a feat made even more impressive considering the physical and psychological toll exacted by her pre-tournament encounter with the eventual champion.
The "Killer" Practice Session
Pegula described arranging a practice hit with Sabalenka in the days leading up to the Open, a common occurrence among top players seeking high-quality preparation. However, what ensued was far from a typical warm-up. "I practiced with her before the tournament and she killed me," Pegula recounted with a laugh, though the memory was clearly vivid. "I was like, 'Oh my god, if I have to play her, this is not good.'"
The session served as a stark reminder of Sabalenka's devastating power and improved consistency, which propelled her to her maiden US Open title and the World No. 1 ranking. Pegula detailed the relentless assault: "She was hitting the ball so big and so hard, and I was just trying to survive. It was one of those practices where you're just like, 'Okay, when is this going to be over?'"
Doubts and Low Expectations
That daunting practice experience, combined with a less-than-ideal build-up to the tournament, significantly lowered Pegula's expectations for her own campaign. She arrived in New York without a deep run in any of the summer hard-court tournaments, a stark contrast to her normally consistent results.
"I honestly did not expect to make the quarter-finals," Pegula admitted frankly. Her pre-tournament form had been a concern, making her straight-sets victory over compatriot Madison Keys in the fourth round all the more satisfying. "I've been playing better and better each match, which is all you can ask for."
Her journey to the last eight was a testament to her resilience and strategic intelligence. She navigated her early rounds efficiently, not dropping a set against Camila Giorgi, Patricia Maria Țig, and Elina Svitolina before the tough battle against Keys. The key factors in her turnaround included:
- Improved Serve: Finding more free points on her first serve.
- Aggressive Returning: stepping in to attack second serves.
- Mental Fortitude: managing the high-pressure moments on a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium.
A Champion's Respect
Despite the on-court brutality, Pegula's comments were filled with respect for Sabalenka's game and her journey to the top of the sport. She acknowledged the mental strength Sabalenka displayed throughout 2023, particularly after her heartbreaking semi-final loss at the French Open. "She's been so consistent this year. To see her win her first Slam in Australia and then back it up here... it's amazing. She deserves it. She's worked really hard and she's a great player."
Pegula's experience highlights a unique aspect of professional tennis: the duality of fierce competition and mutual respect. Players who are rivals on the public stage are often practice partners behind the scenes, offering a unique glimpse into each other's games that fans rarely see. This inside knowledge can be a double-edged sword, providing valuable insight but also fostering a healthy fear of a competitor's top level.
Looking Ahead: The WTA's Power Dynamic
The anecdote also underscores the shifting power dynamic on the WTA Tour. Sabalenka, with her overwhelming firepower, has firmly established herself as a dominant force, a player whose very presence in a draw commands attention and respect from her peers. Pegula’s revelation shows that even a top-5 player and one of the tour's most consistent performers can be left feeling overwhelmed by Sabalenka's peak intensity.
For Pegula, the 2023 US Open ultimately proved to be a successful tournament. She surpassed her own expectations, reaching the quarter-finals where she eventually fell to eventual finalist and rising star Coco Gauff in a tightly contested straight-sets match. The experience against Sabalenka, while humbling, may have ultimately sharpened her focus and steeled her for the challenges ahead in New York.
In the end, Pegula's story is more than just a tale of a tough practice; it's a window into the mindset of a professional athlete. It reveals the constant self-assessment, the battles with confidence, and the honest admissions of vulnerability that occur even at the highest level of sport. Her ability to acknowledge a moment of doubt, use it as motivation, and still produce a deep Grand Slam run is a hallmark of her character and a key reason for her continued success on the WTA Tour.