World No.4 Jessica Pegula is hoping she can achieve a new milestone at Wimbledon this year by playing on the tournament’s premier court for the first time.
The American fourth seed made her main draw debut at the tournament in 2019 after previously losing in qualifying three times. However, this year is only the second time in her career she has made it through to the quarter-finals stage. Her latest win was over compatriot Iva Jovic, whom she battled back from a set down against to oust 4-6, 6-3, 6-1.
“A good testament to my ability to problem solve and compete, that I’m able to turn matches around,” Pegula said of her comeback win.
“Sometimes it just takes me a second to get going. It’s not something I always want to do, but I think it is nice to have a reputation that even though someone’s beating me, it’s definitely not over. I think I like having that associated with maybe my mentality.”
Pegula has experienced disappointment at Wimbledon in recent times, failing to win back-to-back matches in her two previous appearances. Her win-loss record at the tournament currently stands at 12-6.
Heading into the second week, the chances of Pegula playing on Centre court are increasing. Should she do so, it will be for the first time in her career at the age of 32.
“It’s weird,” Pegula said of never playing on the court.
“I played on all the other (Grand Slam) ones multiple times, a lot. I played on Chatrier a ton. Laver a ton. I played every match on Ashe last year.”
Having played on Court One multiple times and enjoying it, Pegula imagines that taking to Wimbledon’s biggest court will be an even better feeling for her.
“It would be really cool. I think everybody wants to be on Centre Court, Wimbledon, at one point,” she said.
“I love Court One. It’s so nice. I think you really get the true Wimbledon experience once you play on at least Court One. I’m assuming Centre is even better.
“You really get the feeling that you’re playing Wimbledon. I remember experiencing that for the first time when I made the quarter-finals a few years ago. It’s a different feeling than when you’re playing on the other courts.”
Pegula, who is playing in her 30th Grand Slam main draw, will learn where she is playing next on Monday. Awaiting her in the next round will be either Belinda Bencic or Coco Gauff.
