Jessica Pegula
(Photo: Zoo Tennis)
Preview
I confess that I had not heard of Jessica Pegula before her name appeared as a Wildcard on the Ponte Vedra Beach qualifying draw, But I'd like to believe this is more a measure of the swift progress this young lady is making than personal ignorance on my part.
The 15 year old from Pittsburgh has spent much of the past year travelling extensively throughout south and central America in pursuit of her tennis ambitions, including repeated trips to Brazil and Mexico. Unfortunately I have been unable to ascertain who she travelled with or where she trains (anyone out there know?), but according to her ITF profile she is currently without a coach.
On one of her most recent trips Jessica won a grade three Junior title in Costa Rica - just one of 24 events she has competed in over the past 12 months. Four of which have been on clay, and all the rest on hard courts.
This right handed junior is described as an aggressive baseliner, and cites Federer and Hingis as her tennis inspirations.
She has played a few young players whom British and French tennis enthusiasts may be familiar with, including Britain's Jade Curtis, and the young French players Kristina Mladenovic and Chloe Babet. But by far the most remarkable statement of intent by Jessica Pegula was laid down today; a quite awesome 6-3 6-0 win over Russian Alexsandra Panova.
In a not dissimilar match-up to this one, Marion had a fairly comfortable passage against young Aussie hopeful Monica Wejnert in Brisbane earlier this year. But after Pegula's summary dismissal of a seasoned professional yesterday, Marion will have to have her wits about her with this one! She is one to watch for sure.
With only two matches in almost a month until yesterday's lengthy fight against American Lauren Albanese, hopefully Marion will still be fresh and up to the task of giving a sufficiently good account of herself in Sunday afternoon's match.. Because when your young sometimes reputation and status count for nothing.. As multiple grand slam champion Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario learned to her cost many years ago against a teenage Marion Bartoli!
Have a good match. May the best player win. Good Luck Marion!
Schedule of Play for Sunday, April 5, 2009
Stadium : 11:00 AM Start
1. Qualifying Singles:
Varvara Lepchenko (USA) [3] vs. Anna Gerasimou (GRE)
2. Qualifying Singles:
Marion Bartoli (FRA) [1] WC vs. Jessica Pegula (USA) WC
3. Qualifying Singles:
Carly Gullickson (USA) vs. Ahsha Rolle (USA)
Edited
Jessica Pegula officially trains at the International Tennis Academy, located in Delray Beach, FL.