Jessica Pegula, the world No. 3, is determined to make amends for her dismal performance at the Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open in 2019, where she suffered a humiliating 6-0, 6-1 defeat in the first round.
Despite her past struggles in Wuhan, Pegula is optimistic about her chances this year, having regained her form after a challenging mid-season period. A coaching switch and a prolonged neck injury had threatened her hopes of qualifying for the WTA Finals, but she has since turned her season around.
Pegula’s resurgence began after the Summer Olympics in Paris, where she became the first woman in two decades to win back-to-back titles at the Canadian Open. She also reached the final of the Cincinnati Open and stunned world No. 1 Iga Swiatek en route to her first Grand Slam final at the US Open.
“It’s funny,” Pegula said, reflecting on her whirlwind summer. “The US Open final seems like so long ago, and we’ve already moved onto the next thing.”
Pegula’s start to the Asian Swing has been mixed, with two wins at the China Open followed by a disappointing loss to Paula Badosa in the third round. However, she remains confident in her abilities and is eager to improve upon her performance in Wuhan.
“I think I played some good tennis in Beijing, so I want to keep building on that, improving, and learning from what I could have done better last week so I can take it into this week,” said Pegula.
Pegula’s experience at the Wuhan Open will be an advantage against potential opening-round opponents Anastasia Potapova and Katie Volynets, who have never played in the tournament before.
“It does feel like a new event in a way, especially for me,” said Pegula. “It’s like a new 1000 has been thrown into the calendar, but it’s always nice to come somewhere that feels a little bit new.”
As the No. 2 seed in Wuhan, Pegula will be a major contender for the title. She could potentially face Badosa again in the third round, giving her an opportunity to avenge her recent defeat.
“That’s what is so great about tennis,” said Pegula. “Every week is a new chance to turn your year around.”
