Jessica Pegula Beats Danielle Collins In American Opener
Roland Garros
May 28, 2023
Jessica Pegula defeated her friend and compatriot Danielle Collins in the opening round at Roland Garros.
But she’ll have to work on her serve if she’s going to live up to her third-seed billing.
Pegula’s second serve was picked off mercilessly by Collins at times. And all too often the first serve wasn’t firing well enough to protect her from that fate.
It was just as well for Jessica that Danielle was no more impressive during her own service games.
Indeed Collins was undone by five double faults at crucial times.
Jessica Pegula may not be so lucky next time against the dangerous Italian Camila Giorgi. And there’s little doubt she’ll need to raise her service game before it’s too late.
The good news is that Pegula is already displaying some of the court-craft that makes her one of the best players in the world.
Slick drop-shots and forceful forehand passes kept the favourite on top when the going got tough as she took out Collins 6-4, 6-2.
Jessica Pegula knows she’s still a contender for Roland Garros and then Wimbledon 2023.
‘Anyone can win any tournament,’ she said in response to the idea that Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina are starting to dominate the biggest events.
And there has already been an upset in Pegula’s quarter of the draw.
Eighth seed Maria Sakkari was knocked out in straight sets by Karolina Muchova.
And we all know that every Grand Slam reveals its share of surprises, particularly in the first week.
You could have predicted victory for Sebastian Korda in the other all-American clash of the day, though.
The 24th seed did indeed beat Mackenzie McDonald 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 to begin his Roland Garros campaign in style.
Korda has reached the fourth round of both Roland Garros and Wimbledon in recent years.
Jessica Pegula and Sebastian Korda could both go deep at Wimbledon 2023 in July.
And we’re hoping that world superstar Stefanos Tsitsipas can find his best form on grass this year.
Tsitsipas eventually saw off Jiri Vesely 7-5, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (9-7) to notch up his 50th win at a major.
And there’s so much more fun tennis action to come in Paris and London in the next few months!
Come to Wimbledon 2023 – and watch the big stars fight it out in the English sunshine.
The atmosphere oozes history and glamour. You’ll never forget the experience!