© Getty Images Sport – Phil Walter
Jessica Pegula, 29, thinks “no one can fill Serena Williams’ shoes” but admits it makes her happy and proud when she accomplishes a Williams feat. Pegula, ranked at No 5 in the world, has been one of the best players in the world for the past two years and spent notable time as the top-ranked American woman before being replaced by Coco Gauff after this year’s US Open.
Williams, a former 23-time Grand Slam champion, retired from pro tennis after the 2022 US Open. Since Williams’ retirement, Pegula and Gauff have by far accomplished the most in American women’s tennis. This year, Pegula won two titles and became the first American since Serena Williams to win 22 WTA 1000 matches in a single season since Williams, who accomplished the feat in 2013, 2014, and 2015.
Also, Pegula became the first American since Williams in 2012 to earn three wins over the world No 1 in a single season.
Pegula on if anyone can fill in Williams’ shoes
“I don’t think anyone can fill Serena’s shoes.
Having other top Americans there definitely helps because I couldn’t imagine being the only American. Someone like Coco has a lot of pressure on her as far as being…
