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Jessica Pegula, 29, thinks "no one can fill Serena Williams' shoes" but admits it makes her happy and proud when she accomplishes a Williams feat. Pegula, ranked at No 5 in the world, has been one of the best players in the world for the past two years and spent notable time as the top-ranked American woman before being replaced by Coco Gauff after this year's US Open.
Williams, a former 23-time Grand Slam champion, retired from pro tennis after the 2022 US Open. Since Williams' retirement, Pegula and Gauff have by far accomplished the most in American women's tennis. This year, Pegula won two titles and became the first American since Serena Williams to win 22 WTA 1000 matches in a single season since Williams, who accomplished the feat in 2013, 2014, and 2015.
Also, Pegula became the first American since Williams in 2012 to earn three wins over the world No 1 in a single season.
Pegula on if anyone can fill in Williams' shoes
“I don’t think anyone can fill Serena’s shoes.
Having other top Americans there definitely helps because I couldn’t imagine being the only American. Someone like Coco has a lot of pressure on her as far as being regarded as the next Serena or Venus. I don’t really see that as a role I have to fill.
But it’s pretty cool when I can say ‘I’ve won this many hardcourt matches, it hasn’t been done since Serena.' Having little stats like that is really cool. Being able to do it with Coco as well, who I’m 10 years apart within age difference, we see stats like that.
Two Americans haven’t been in the semis in both singles and doubles since Serena and Venus. That’s really really cool and something I don’t think I ever expected to see. But it’s been nice to see some statistics mixed in with my name.
I’m definitely not gonna break the Grand Slam record (laughs). But it’s pretty cool to be mentioned in that. Especially in American tennis," Pegula told Forbes, via The Tennis Letter.
Pegula is one of the most consistent players on the Tour and there is no doubt that she will be looking to have another strong year in 2024.Jessica Pegula on the cover of Forbes 30 Under 30.
“I don’t think anyone can fill Serena’s shoes.Having other top Americans there definitely helps because I couldn’t imagine being the only American. Someone like Coco has a lot of pressure on her as far as being regarded as the… pic.twitter.com/SyLTX5bdT3 — The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 29, 2023