Kim Clijsters sees Jessica Pegula as the dark horse to conquer Wimbledon
Just a few days away from the start of Wimbledon, Kim Clijsters has pointed out Jessica Pegula as one of the major surprise contenders for the title. The former world number one believes that the American has the necessary qualities to make a successful run on the grass of the All England Club, despite not being among the top favorites.
The Belgian thinks Pegula's playing style suits this surface particularly well. Her flat shots, ability to take charge from the baseline, and consistency on serve make the American a very uncomfortable opponent. "She can give anyone a lot of trouble," stated Clijsters, convinced that Pegula has the level to compete head-to-head with the top favorites.
While the spotlight is mainly on players like Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, or Elena Rybakina, Clijsters believes that Pegula arrives at an ideal moment. The American has shown a solid tennis performance during the grass season, stacking up prestigious wins and giving off positive vibes heading into the third Grand Slam of the year.
Can Jessica Pegula win her first Grand Slam at Wimbledon?
One aspect that stands out to the four-time Grand Slam champion is Pegula's tactical intelligence. Unlike other players who rely solely on power, the American knows how to vary heights, change directions, and find solutions when matches get tough. This versatility tends to be a distinguishing factor on grass, a surface where exchanges are quicker and reaction time is shorter.
Pegula's big challenge will be breaking the psychological barrier of the later rounds in a Grand Slam. Despite establishing herself among the best on tour in recent years, she is still chasing her first major title. However, Clijsters believes that Wimbledon could be the perfect stage to take that final step and confirm that she is also ready to conquer a major.
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