Pegula : "Je suis plus fière d'être restée dans l'élite que d'y être parvenue"

Diego Jiménez Rubio | 4 Apr 2026 | 22.48

Jessica Pegula reaches the final in Charleston. Photo: gettyimages Jessica Pegula atteint la finale à Charleston. Photo: gettyimages

Streaming Challenger Tunis tennis en direct

🎾 Franco Agamenone vs Antoine Ghibaudo

Inscrivez-vous sur Bet365 ici
Effectuez votre premier dépôt d’au moins 5 €
Allez dans la section « Live » et regardez chaque match

Regardez le match sur Bet365

Jessica Pegula proves once again at WTA 500 Charleston 2026 that her relationship with victory does not follow easy paths. In a week marked by three-set battles, the American has found in resilience and adaptability her best allies to reach the final once again.

Far from perfection, but getting closer to triumph each time, Jessica Pegula is building her tournament from discomfort and the ability to endure. This is the career of a woman with fewer tennis weapons than most of her elite rivals, but who is managing to establish herself with absolute naturalness and compete for glory wherever she plays.

This is what Jessica Pegula said after reaching the final of the WTA Charleston 2026

Winning from chaos: a constant in her tournament

If something defines her presence in Charleston, it is her ability to survive. "I'm a bit tired of three sets, but if I have to win like this all my life, I sign it," confessed the American, amidst laughter.

The pattern has repeated itself over and over. "I thought I could close it in two sets today, but it didn't happen," Pegula explained, reflecting the feeling that each match demands an extra effort. Nonetheless, her mindset is clear: compete until the end. And in that field, few players feel as comfortable as she does.

Adjustments in the midst of battle: the key to the comeback

In her last match, she was once again forced to react from behind, both in the first and third sets. "When you're a break down, you free yourself up a bit and start hitting the ball more freely," explained the American.

That change in attitude was decisive, especially in her returns. "I felt like I was playing a bit more conservative this week and started becoming more aggressive," stated Pegula. On a demanding surface like clay, where physical and mental fatigue is greater, that ability to adjust on the fly makes a difference.

Clay court, a physical and mental challenge

Pegula doesn't hide that the surface change is taking a toll on her. "The switch to clay, having to move my feet more, and fatigue make everything harder," the American confessed.

This context explains some doubts in her game. "I felt like I wasn't getting enough into the court, especially on returns," Pegula explained, pointing out one of the key aspects in her adaptation. Nonetheless, she has managed to find solutions amidst the wear and tear, reinforcing her candidacy in the tournament.

Competitive memory as a weapon

Charleston is not just any tournament for Pegula, and that also works in her favor. "I remember perfectly all the tough matches from previous years here," confessed the American.

Far from weighing her down, those memories seem to propel her. "I've been through many similar situations in this tournament," Pegula explained, finding in that experience a source of confidence. In a circuit where details make the difference, that competitive memory can be crucial in critical moments.

Consistency, her greatest pride

Beyond individual results, Pegula is clear about her greatest achievement. "I'm prouder of having stayed in the elite than of reaching it," affirmed the American.

Her reflection goes beyond the individual realm. "Anyone can have a great year, but staying is the hardest part," Pegula explained, highlighting the circuit's demands. With over 200 weeks in the elite, her trajectory supports those words.

Living with pressure... and turning it into motivation

Being a reference also has its downside. Pegula is starting to notice how the younger generations look up to her as a role model. "It's strange when young players say they look up to me," confessed the American. Far from making her uncomfortable, she tries to turn it into positive energy. "I take it as a compliment and also as confidence," stated Pegula. This mix of respect and ambition perfectly defines the current moment of a player who not only competes anymore... she also inspires.

One step away from the title, true to her identity

In Charleston, Pegula has once again shown that she doesn't need to play perfectly to win. It's enough for her to compete better than her opponent in key moments. Amidst comebacks, weariness, and constant adjustments, the American has earned another chance to lift the trophy. And if it has to be through suffering, there's no problem. Because if anything has been clear this week, it's that she knows how to win... even when everything gets complicated.

Cette actualité est une traduction automatique. Vous pouvez lire la nouvelle originale Pegula: "Estoy más orgullosa de haberme mantenido en la élite que de haber llegado"