What can be more challenging than finding a new doubles partner after a long hiatus due to injury? For Jessica Pegula, it might just be pronouncing her new partner’s name. The American tennis star has made her return to the courts at the Libema Open. But, the absence of her long-time partner has left her out in the cold, as she attempts to adjust to someone new.

A remarkable season for American player Jessica Pegula was impacted by a frustrating injury. The 30-year-old had been on an upward trajectory, reaching the quarterfinals or better, in three of her last four tournaments. She also witnessed impressive semifinal finishes in Charleston and San Diego. Unfortunately, continuous pain in her ribs intensified after competing in the Billie Jean King Cup, and she was diagnosed with a potential risk of developing a stress fracture. 

Amid her absence, her long-term doubles partner Coco Gauff was seen pairing up with other players, including Katerina Siniakova. With her, she clinched the doubles trophy at Roland Garros. Now, with Pegula all set to hit the balls again, Coco has opted for some rest after a tiring venture at the French Open. In such a scenario, Pegula had no option but to find a new partner.

While the 30-year-old’s hunt ended after pairing up with Demi Schuurs, the American star is seen struggling with her. In a recent interview, Jessica was asked if she could actually pronounce her partner’s name. While she attempted, the interviewer declared it wrong. To this, Pegula responded with a sense of difficulty. “Oh my gosh… Maybe I’ll try that with her this week and see if she’ll be impressed.” However, Jessica did not fail to praise her partner, either.

Speaking about what she likes in Demi, the World No. 5 praised her volleys and hand movement. “She’s a great doubles player. Great volleys, and great hands. She hit some really crazy shots out there sometimes.” She further shared that Demi’s sweet nature has also impressed her and stated, “I have known Demi for a little while now and she’s always so nice and so sweet. So when she asked to me play I was excited.”

While the duo’s partnership is very tender, it could not demonstrate successful results. The duo lost in the round of 16 to Anna Siskova and Miriam Kolodziejová, marking an end to their journey together in the tournament. Meanwhile, Jessica’s return to the tennis courts is marked by some other difficulties as well.

Jessica Pegula’s retaining of World No. 5 spot sparks controversy

The American Star player’s absence from the game was all set to take her down in the WTA ranking table. However, the long-term injury-exception rules helped her retain her position. As per WTA rules, a long-term injury is when a player fails to participate in any professional matches for at least 8 weeks because of a health crisis. Pegula, who completed her eight weeks on June 2, gained from this rule and could maintain her WTA ranking.

During her injury-led absence, the American star gained no points from WTA 1000 events. However, this gap in her record was compensated by the points she earned from non-countable tournaments, as they were considered due to her injury. Jessica had accumulated a total of 205 points from the Cincinnati Open and the Eastbourne Tournament. These points were factored into her ranking as per WTA rules.

This did not sit well with the tennis community, with several voices unhappy with the rule. Without these 205 points, Jessica would have lost her position to Marketa Vondrousova, who stands just 122 points below her.

While her return has welcomed her with challenges like ranking controversy and the inability to adjust to her new partner, it will be interesting to see if she can defy the odds and do something exceptional in her season ahead.