Former world No 4 ‘waiting for Jessica Pegula to have a breakthrough and win a Grand Slam’

Jessica Pegula has been tipped as the “one player who can make a big move” and win the 2024 Australian Open with three-time Grand Slam finalist Mary Joe Fernandez saying she “has got the game” to win a major.

Although the top four of Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina and Coco Gauff are the favourites ahead of this year’s season-opening Grand Slam, Fernandez feels this could be the tournament where world No 5 Pegula finally makes her breakthrough.

American Pegula is yet to make it past the quarter-final of any of the four majors, but tennis commentator Fernandez feels she could be the one to stop the top four at Melbourne Park.

“I would be surprised as well on the women’s side if one of the top four doesn’t come away with the title,” the former world No 4 said during an ESPN media conference call.

“I don’t think you can call it sneaking through, but I’m waiting for Jessica Pegula to have a breakthrough and get past the quarter-finals and win one. I think she’s got the game for it. She’s beaten all the top players.

“Is the surface going to be the right speed for her? She likes it when it’s a bit quicker. She’s the one player I think can make a big move.”

Pegula finds herself in the top half of the 2024 Australian Open draw and she is projected to face Rybakina in the quarter-final and Swiatek in the semi-final.

READ MORE: 2024 Australian Open: Iga Swiatek gets nasty draw, Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff on collision course

Fernandez, though, also believes three-time Grand Slam runner-up Ons Jabeur and eighth seed Maria Sakkari could also do damage.

The American added: “Ons Jabeur has been in the finals a few times of Grand Slams. Can she be healthy? She has a unique game with her variety. Can she disrupt those top players? Yes.

“The one player I’m waiting for her to do good at majors as well is Sakkari. She’s got such a good game. She’s such a good athlete. She’s lost in the first round of the last three majors. It’s mental for her. Can she get over that and start threatening these top players?”

One player who will draw a lot of attention at the Australian Open is former world No 1 Naomi Osaka as the four-time major champion is playing in her first Grand Slam since giving birth.

Osaka faces 16th seed Caroline Garcia in the first round and she could take on Coco Gauff in the fourth round.

Fernandez warns that she could be a threat, but could struggle against the top four.

“I always say you never underestimate a champion. She’s won the Australian Open a couple of times. I watched her play last week, as well. I thought she was striking the ball very well after a long time away. Actually thought she was moving pretty well,” she said.

“A lot is going to depend on the draw, who she comes up against early. If she can find a way to get through the first few rounds, she always becomes a threat. She has major weapons with her serves and groundstrokes.

“You look at the top four with Iga, Sabalenka, Rybakina and Coco, tough to get through those I think at the moment. I thought it was very promising what we saw last week from Naomi.”