Jessica Pegula Reflects on Growth of Women's Tennis in the US

Top American player sees depth and promise in the next generation of US talent

Mar. 29, 2026 at 4:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Jessica Pegula, the top-ranked American women's tennis player, has shared her thoughts on the current state of the sport in the United States. Pegula praised the depth of American talent on the WTA Tour, with multiple players now ranked in the top 10, including rising star Iva Jovic. Pegula credits the success of her fellow Americans as motivation to keep improving her own game and push for a first Grand Slam title.

Why it matters

Women's tennis in the US has seen a resurgence in recent years, with American players making a strong showing on the global stage. Pegula's perspective provides insight into how the current generation of US stars view this period of growth and their role in inspiring the next wave of talent.

The details

Coco Gauff is currently ranked world number three, while there are three Americans in the top 10 overall. Last year saw two US women capture Grand Slam titles, with Gauff winning the French Open and Madison Keys taking the Australian Open. Pegula, who has been impressive early in the 2026 season, credits the strong American presence on tour as motivation to keep pushing forward in her own career. She also highlighted rising star Iva Jovic as one of the most promising young players coming through the ranks.

  • In 2025, Iva Jovic enjoyed a breakout year, winning her maiden WTA title and reaching the quarter-finals of the Australian Open.
  • Pegula's best Grand Slam result came at the 2024 US Open, where she reached the final before falling to Aryna Sabalenka.

The players

Jessica Pegula

A top-ranked American women's tennis player who has been edging closer to a major breakthrough in recent seasons.

Coco Gauff

The world number three player, who won the French Open title last year.

Madison Keys

The American player who captured her first Grand Slam title at the 2025 Australian Open.

Iva Jovic

A promising young American player who had a breakout year in 2025, winning her first WTA title and reaching the quarter-finals of the Australian Open.

Aryna Sabalenka

The player who defeated Pegula in the 2024 US Open final.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Our depth in the U.S. is pretty crazy right now. I feel like every time I go deep, there's multiple Americans that are there. It's been incredible.”

— Jessica Pegula, Top-ranked American women's tennis player

“I'm glad that I've been able to be a part of this era of all these girls doing really well in the States. I know it's definitely motivated me to see them do well. It's an honor to be a part of this amazing group.”

— Jessica Pegula, Top-ranked American women's tennis player

“There's a lot of young ones like Iva that are coming up, whom I'm way older than, which is really depressing. [Laughs.] I'm glad I'm able to inspire and show that next generation that's coming up.”

— Jessica Pegula, Top-ranked American women's tennis player

What’s next

Pegula will look to continue her strong start to the 2026 season and make a push for her first Grand Slam title, with the French Open and Wimbledon on the horizon.

The takeaway

The growth of women's tennis in the United States has been a source of pride and motivation for players like Jessica Pegula, who see the depth of American talent as a driving force to keep improving their own games. This new generation of US stars is inspiring the next wave of talent, like Iva Jovic, and could lead to continued success for American women's tennis on the global stage.