Jessica Pegula, one of the favorites to win the US Open, has expressed her sadness about having to play compatriot Shelby Rogers in the first round of the tournament. The match marks the end of an era for Rogers, who has announced that this will be her final US Open and possibly her last match in professional tennis.
Pegula was deeply affected by Rogers' retirement announcement, likening it to Danielle Collins' decision to hang up her racket at the end of this season. She highlighted the emotional toll of retiring early due to injuries and expressed empathy for Rogers' situation.
Pegula's sentiments are understandable, given her long-standing friendship with Rogers. The two have known each other since their junior days, when they battled it out on the court in Georgia. They've both come a long way since then, and now they're facing each other in one of the biggest tournaments of their careers.
"It sucks having to play her," Pegula said ahead of the US Open, acknowledging the bittersweet nature of the encounter. "She kind of told me before, and I didn’t know if she was going to announce it or not. Then I saw, obviously, I think this morning she announced it. I saw her this morning, too. It’s crazy to me that, like, obviously I know she had a lot of injuries, but to see people, like, my age retiring, her, Danielle, it’s sad."
She continued, "Yeah, Shelby and I go way back. We were battling at Georgia, like, Southern sectional 16-and-unders and now we’re playing in the US Open. Obviously, she’s had amazing results here too and has been a top player. But it’s pretty crazy and I think cool in the same way to say that we were playing at all these crazy sectional tournaments. And, yeah, being able to end your career at the US Open and play each other, it’s pretty amazing when you look at it that way."
Despite the unfortunate circumstances, Pegula recognizes the significance of Rogers' final match at Flushing Meadows. "Yeah, it’s a bummer. I don’t like having to play any American, especially here. Yeah, that part kind of sucks, but at the same time, at least it comes full circle in some way or another. I hope she’s looking forward to what’s coming after."
Pegula's focus now shifts to her own performance at the US Open. While she's enjoying a stellar run of form, she remains cautious about predicting her success at the year's final Grand Slam. She's aware of the unpredictability of the tournament and the potential for upsets.
"I feel like it does and then it also doesn’t," Pegula said when asked about whether her current form is a sign of potential success. "We’ve seen people all the time surprise us every single week, every single tournament, every slam. Sometimes there’s no rhyme or reason why someone maybe does well and then there are some people you see they’re having momentum or see they’re playing well here or they have a good draw or good matchups and they do really well."
She added, "So I don’t know if it really matters. I think sometimes it doesn’t make any sense. So yeah, I think it’s a little tricky this year people coming from Paris. People are just a little bit maybe, I don’t know, not as prepared, just with the surface change as well. But I don’t know. I think once you get here and if you’ve had good results here especially or you like the hard courts or whatever it is, I think the players that, you know, play well here will find a way to do that I think no matter what. Yeah, I think it just, I don’t know, I guess is my answer."
As Pegula prepares for her first-round encounter with Rogers, the tennis world will be watching with a mixture of anticipation and sentimentality. This match will be a fitting tribute to Rogers' career and a testament to the enduring power of friendship in the face of adversity. It will also be a reminder of the bittersweet nature of retirement, and the emotional impact it can have on both athletes and their fans.
What to Watch for in the US Open
The US Open is always a thrilling event, with plenty of storylines to keep fans on the edge of their seats. But this year, the tournament holds even more significance for both players and fans alike. With Rogers' retirement, the focus will be on which players can seize their opportunity and make their mark on the tournament.
Some of the key storylines to watch include:
Jessica Pegula's Quest for a Grand Slam Title
Pegula has been on fire this summer, winning the Canadian Open title and finishing as runner-up in Cincinnati. This form makes her a serious contender for the US Open title, and she'll be looking to finally break through and win her first Grand Slam.
Iga Swiatek's Defense of Her Title
Swiatek is the reigning champion, and she'll be looking to defend her title in New York. However, she's been in a slump since winning the French Open, and she'll have to overcome a number of tough opponents if she wants to repeat her success.
Novak Djokovic's Quest for a Record-Breaking 25th Grand Slam
Djokovic is the reigning Wimbledon champion, and he's only one Grand Slam title away from surpassing Rafael Nadal's record of 22. He's been plagued by injury concerns, but if he can stay healthy, he'll be a formidable opponent in New York.
Carlos Alcaraz's Bid for a Second Grand Slam Title
Alcaraz is the youngest player ranked No. 1 in the world, and he's one of the most exciting talents in the game. He won the US Open in 2022, and he'll be looking to repeat that success this year.
These are just a few of the storylines to watch for at the US Open. With so much talent on display, this year's tournament promises to be a thrilling spectacle.
