Jessica Pegula has made a strong start at the US Open, where she is one of four women who could become world No. 1 by the end of the tournament. The third seed beat Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3 6-2 in the first match of the day on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Balcony joke draws response
Speaking to Sky Sports after her opening match, Pegula said she would "jump off of this balcony" if she achieved both milestones. "I think it's cool that it's an option. Not everyone even gets to that opinion, so I'm very thankful of that. But at the same time, I have to win the tournament, I think, to do that. That would also be amazing in itself," the 32-year-old told Sky Sports' Gigi Salmon and Marion Bartoli.
"So there's a lot of things that could happen, it's very far away, but if I could end my Slam year with taking the US Open title and finishing the year No. 1, I think I would like jump off of this balcony over here. Like, we're good. I'm done. It's a far aways away, but it's a happy option that it's even possible. It's amazing, it's super motivating, but taking it one day at a time."
Hosts respond
Bartoli, a former Wimbledon champion, reminded Pegula that she had gone deep in Flushing Meadows before. "Well, you made the final here, so it's not that impossible," she replied. Salmon was more concerned about the No. 3 seed's potential victory celebrations. "It's a great option. If it happens, please don't jump off. Come and speak to us, but don't jump off the balcony!" Salmon pleaded. "I don't know what I was trying to get across there. I'd just be excited," Pegula laughed.
Path to No. 1
To become world No. 1, Pegula would need to win her first Grand Slam title and hope that Elena Rybakina loses before the semi-finals. The 2024 runner-up will now face either Venus Williams or Sofia Kenin in the second round. Two-time Major champion Rybakina is currently in a prime position to claim the top spot. Should she reach the semi-finals, she will be No. 1 no matter what. Even if she loses earlier, she will also reach the summit should Pegula, Aryna Sabalenka, or Coco Gauff fail to win the title.
Like Pegula, Sabalenka and Gauff can only be No. 1 if they lift the trophy and Rybakina loses before the semis. Pegula believes all of the scenarios speak to the strength of the WTA Tour. "I think that just shows the level of women's tennis right now and how well a lot of the top players are playing. But it's definitely extra motivation, and I think it's something that would be amazing, but again, it's very, very, very, very far away," she said.
