In a whirlwind 24 hours, Jessica Pegula advanced from the round of 16 to the semi-final in Cincinnati. However, the grueling schedule of playing three matches within a short span posed a significant challenge. Following her recent victory over Leylah Fernandez, the American star opened up about the exhaustion she felt, decreasing her chances of an American double, after the Canadian Open victory.

After having a bit of a tough year, Pegula is ready to give her all this hardcourt season. With the US Open just around the corner, the American is ready to take center stage with her tennis prowess; however, at the same time, with three consecutive matches in a row, in a conversation with the Tennis Channel, she opened up about her thoughts on being exhausted from the schedule.

She stated, “Tired, definitely tired. I’m not going to lie. If anyone thought I was feeling fresh after three matches in like 24 hours, definitely not. But no, it’s good though, actually, because it was funny with my trainer before not playing a lot he was like, ‘I think you’re used to having a lot of match cardio,’ and I felt like my match cardio was a little down.“

Following that, she added, “So honestly, I feel like this week, it’s actually good like, getting all these matches in is kind of just getting that match play in when I need it, and then I’ll have a week before the Open to relax again.“

While she played one match on August 17, the quarter-finals and semi-finals are scheduled on the same day, just in an interval of some time. Although Jessica Pegula did a fantastic job all through last year, the tight schedule took a toll on her, forcing her to postpone her 2024 plans. After two victories, she pulled out of the Adelaide International, and she subsequently withdrew from the second-round of he Australian Open, and the doubles competition.

Later, Pegula revealed that she would miss the WTA 1000 competitions in Dubai and Doha because of an uncommon neck injury. Pegula played 134 matches, which included 76 singles, 48 doubles, and 10 mixed doubles. Subsequently, this number is significantly more than the typical number of matches a tennis player plays in a year.

Given Pegula’s outstanding showing during her Cincinnati run, many consider her a viable contender for the US Open, but former tennis great Andy Roddick had an unexpected viewpoint. Recognizing the toll a rigorous schedule takes on players, Roddick emphasized the real-world difficulties encountered by athletes.

Andy Roddick’s firm belief in Jessica Pegula’s tennis prowess

Pegula’s stunning triumph at the 2024 Canadian Open has won her a devoted fanbase. Even though Andy Roddick had a lot of faith in Pegula’s skills, he brought up the difficulties of winning tournaments back-to-back. He stated, “If she could win a couple of matches and since she is in Cincy, that’s great preparation for New York. I don’t want to see her go and lose in the second round, but if she can put together two, three, four wins, that’s massive. Then you’re fighting your body and mental fatigue and all that.”

He complimented Pegula’s week off prior to the US Open despite these difficulties and suggested that her tenacity could result in extraordinary success, possibly winning titles in Cincinnati and New York.

Along with Pegula, Iga Swiatek also spoke out about the hectic scheduling of the WTA Tour. Player’s have suffered from exhaustion, which can be a major drawback. Although the American player is tired, we are bound to see her go all out in the semi-final against Paula Badosa.