Jessica Pegula named the real ‘American Master’ ahead of Coco Gauff and Madison Keys
Jessica Pegula has been backed to win a Grand Slam this year by Rick Macci with the legendary coach also stating she “is really the American Master ranked No 3”.
The 2024 US Open runner-up came up short in the Miami Open final as she lost in straight sets against Aryna Sabalenka, but her run at the WTA 1000 final has seen her close the gap to Coco Gauff in the WTA Rankings.
Gauff is currently the American No 1 as she sits at No 3 behind Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek with Pegula fourth, just 267 points adrift, and reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys in fifth.
Macci – who coached former world No 1s Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova, Jennifer Capriati and Andy Roddick – feels Pegula is currently the real American No 1.
“Age 31 the Buffalo Blaster is really the American Master ranked number 3 on the planet because her mind and strokes are like granite,” he wrote on X.
“Has been ranked number 1 doubles and understanding of the court gives others troubles. Not where you start it is where you finish. @JessicaPEG.”
After six Grand Slam quarter-final exits, Pegula finally broke the curse as she reached the US Open final last year. However, she also lost that showpiece match against Sabalenka.
Macci also stated it is only a matter of time before she “grabs” a Grand Slam trophy.
“Pegula has always been one of the best pure ball strikers on tour not to win a Slam. She can beat anybody anytime anywhere. One of the most rock solid players off both wings. The Buffalo Blaster could grab a SLAM this year,” he wrote.
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Pegula could overtake Gauff in the rankings and become the official American No 1 if she lifts the Charleston Open trophy this week as 500 points are on offer to the champion.
The 31-year-old has won one title this year, the ATX Open, while she also finished runner-up at the Adelaide International to Keys.
But she has now reached three WTA 1000 finals since August last year as she won the Canadian Open and finished runner-up at the Cincinnati Open, also to Sabalenka.
“You know, happy to be in another big 1000 final and having consistent results and keep going deep in tournaments,” Pegula said. “I mean, the reason we play is to put ourselves in good chances to win these events. I was able to do that the last couple weeks.
“So even though it wasn’t the result that I wanted, again, giving myself an opportunity is all I can really ask for, you know, every time we go into a new event. So I’m happy about that.”
