World No 3 Jessica Pegula is trying to have a more relaxed approach as that’s one thing she has been trying to take away from Ashleigh Barty and ATP players. Pegula, 28, kicked off her 2023 season at the United Cup as fellow American Frances Tiafoe has been her regular hitting partner in recent weeks.
According to Pegula, ATP players have a much more relaxed approach to warm-ups and practice sessions. Barty, a former three-time Grand Slam champion, also used to have a very relaxed approach. Pegula, who is trying to win her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, feels it’s a positive thing knowing how to not stress and overanalyze things before matches.
Pegula on learning from Barty, Tiafoe
“Most of the guys I know, when they go to warm up or they hit, especially before a tournament, they’re pretty relaxed. They’re just out there trying to get a little bit groove, not chasing down balls.
They’re not freaking out, they’re not really working on anything. I think girls are a little bit different in that aspect except for I remember maybe warming up with Ash. I felt she warmed up like a guy. She takes like five serves, hits a couple of slices, and she’s done.
I have tried to do that more. I think hitting with Frances forces me to do that, because I’m like I don’t want to look like I’m some crazy overanalytical player. I always say to my coach, if I’m not ready by now, I’m never going to be ready.
I play in an hour. I’ve got to get over it. I think it helps,” Pegula said, per the WTA website. Meanwhile, Pegula kicked off her 2023 season in a stunning way. At the United Cup, Pegula won all of her five singles matches in straight sets to help the United States win the inaugural tournament edition.
After a strong United Cup showing, Pegula kicked off her Australian Open run with a dominant 6-0 6-1 win over Jaqueline Cristian.
