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American tennis star Jessica Pegula has established herself as a consistent top 10 player on the WTA Tour in recent years. However, she is still chasing that elusive maiden Grand Slam title. According to her longtime coach, Simon Rea, 2024 could be Pegula’s last chance to break through at the majors.

Jessica Pegula came close to reaching the semi-finals of the Australian Open earlier this year, before losing to eventual champion Ashleigh Barty in the quarterfinals. However, grass hasn’t been her strongest surface as she is yet to progress past the third round at Wimbledon. According to Rea, Pegula will need to raise her level on the lawns of London next year. “The grass season is going to be really important for her next year. She’s made quarterfinals of slams on other surfaces but needs a deep run at Wimbledon to prove she can do it on grass too,” stated the coach.

Close but no cigar at majors for Jessica Pegula so far

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Jessica Pegula has enjoyed tremendous success on the tour, having reached a career-high ranking of No.5 earlier this year. However, she is yet to progress past the quarterfinals of any Grand Slam event. Speaking on this in a Tennis Podcast, Rea felt that Pegula needs to make the most of the upcoming season.

Simon Rea is confident about Pegula’s skills, but he is also concerned for her future. “Jess is so consistent and so well rounded and hasn’t been able to break through that barrier or that glass ceiling of quarterfinals of the slam. And I just wonder where the 2024 is the year because if it’s not, perhaps it doesn’t happen for her. So she’s the one we’ve seen the emergence of Gauff in New York, and we’ve seen Sabalenka and Rybakina and the damage that they can do in those grand slam champions.” said the 41-year old coach.

Simon Rea pointed out that younger American stars like Coco Gauff have already established themselves as Grand Slam champions. Players from other nations like Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elena Rybakina have also secured major titles in recent years. This has increased the competition for Jessica Pegula in the later rounds of Slams. “They’ve been able to smash through that ceiling. But I think 2024 represents a great opportunity for Jess Pegula to take that next step and be the next one to do so,” added Rea.

Read More: Despite Suffering Utter Humiliation, Jessica Pegula Voices Genuine Appreciation for WTA Finals Champion Iga Swiatek

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Is 2024 Jessica Pegula’s last chance?

Simon Rea has been working with Jessica Pegula for over a decade now and understands her game inside out. He believes the 28-year-old possesses the all-court game to succeed at the majors. However, she will need to maintain composure in tight matches. “Jess has all the weapons and skills required. It’s about holding your nerve in those pressure situations and taking the opportunities that come your way,” outlined Rea. He added that Pegula’s consistency puts her in a position to dominate but closing out big wins has been challenging so far.

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Jesica Pegula will be hoping to end the year on a high by qualifying for the WTA Finals in Fort Worth, Texas. A strong finish to the 2022 season could give her the momentum needed for a deep Slam run next year. However, time may be running out for the American as she approaches her late 20s. According to her experienced coach Simon Rea, 2024 could be Pegula’s last chance to fulfill her potential in the majors. What do you think?

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