It’s always some wins and some losses, never the extreme of either. After pushing Coco Gauff’s threat to the side, with utmost grit, in the morning, Pegula subdued the Russian tennis star, Anna Kalinskaya, in the afternoon. The American proved herself a strong contender for the upcoming tournaments in London and then Paris. However, during her winning speech, the packed Steffi Graf stadium received a heartwarming response from the winner.

It’s not an everyday occurrence that stands are full in a women’s match, that is not a slam. However, as times are changing, fans are gathering to witness WTA rivalries at the court. And this didn’t go unnoticed by Pegula, as she raised a toast to the fans for not only staying until the very end, but also for giving her power when she needed it the most. “And Of course thank you to fans who stayed through to watch this final, who pushed me through to the end, because I was so tired. But thank you guys for coming out and supporting us,” -she said, on behalf of all the women tennis stars present.

Appreciating the packed stadium, she said, “It’s amazing to see women’s final in Steffi Graf’s stadium really packed to watch us.” Furthermore, Pegula opened up how the presence of fans is important for tennis in general and women’s tennis in particular. “We love that, and that’s why we play. Thank you so much!,” she added.

It’s not easy to play two matches in a day and win both of them. However, Pegula did it, with much grace and grit. In the morning, she played Gauff to conclude the yesterday’s match which was suspended due to rain. After battling a charged Gauff to win the deuce, she proceeded to the finals. However, there she met a fully rested Kalinskaya who was hoping to celebrate a couple-double with Jannik Sinner, after defeating Pegula.

The American tennis star came out from the shadows to win the title. Pegula has been discounted short of her talent throughout the year, due to her early exit at the Australian Open 2024, and the injuries that followed. However, the tennis star smashed the doubts aside with her performance and gave a brilliant match to her fans, and fellow Compatriot, Andy Roddick, who believed in her potential.

Andy Roddick bets on Jessica Pegula’s performance at the Wimbledon Open

It’s not easy to rise against the doubts when the world is out to get you. But Pegula knows how to do it. After playing it safe in the beginning, she renewed her fighting spirit, as Roddick said. He further believes that Pegula may be the dark horse at the grass courts of London.

In his recent podcast, he shed light on Pegula’s strong side, which would help her get through the challenges on the court. He said, “I am a massive fan. I think it’s potentially her biggest upside, the ability to switch directions, the low center of gravity. The fact that she gets a little help on her serve her ability to come forward, return, it all works on grass.” 

Pegula is definitely a strong contender for the title once she regains her form. The player has had very fewer matches in her basket until now, and as she gets her rhythm back, she could turn the tables around for herself and America in the Paris Olympics!