World No. 4 Jessica Pegula continues to defy expectations, battling her way into a second consecutive WTA final at the Charleston Open. The American star, fresh off a runner-up finish at the Miami Open, edged past Ekaterina Alexandrova in a gritty semifinal clash. Yet, behind the triumph lies a raw truth: Pegula is wrestling with exhaustion—both physical and emotional—after a grueling three-week stretch.
As she prepares to face Sofia Kenin for the title, the 31-year-old admits her “tank is running low,” revealing the human cost of her relentless pursuit of glory.
Jessica Pegula’s fatigue-fueled fight
Pegula’s journey to the Charleston final marks her fourth title match of 2025, a testament to her consistency. But the toll of 10 matches in just over two weeks has left her drained. “Of course I’m tired,” she confessed after her semifinal win.
“The tank is running a bit low emotionally and physically.” Surprisingly, she felt worse after her quarterfinal victory over Danielle Collins, a three-set marathon that tested her resolve.
Despite the weariness, Jessica Pegula’s resilience shines. Her ability to compartmentalize fatigue and focus on the prize underscores her veteran savvy.
“I’m happy to be in the final,” she said. “I’ll rest as much as I can and give my best.” The American also acknowledged a slice of luck with Kenin’s walkover in the semis, quipping, “It’s nice she didn’t have to play a full match.”
A season of highs and hidden battles
Pegula’s 2025 campaign has been a rollercoaster. She clinched her lone title at the Austin Open but fell short in Miami and earlier finals. Now, with Kenin blocking her path to reclaiming the American No. 1 spot, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Charleston’s clay courts demand stamina, and Pegula’s fatigue raises questions about her longevity in the tournament. Yet, her ability to grind through adversity—winning 78% of her deciding sets this season—proves she’s a fighter.
Balancing success and sustainability
Jessica Pegula’s candid admission highlights a broader issue in tennis: the physical and mental toll of packed schedules. Players often juggle back-to-back tournaments to maximize ranking points, risking burnout. For Pegula, managing workload will be crucial as she eyes a deep run at Roland Garros. Her team’s challenge? Balancing short-term gains with long-term health—a tightrope all too familiar in elite sports.
Can Pegula dig deeper?
Facing Kenin, a resurgent former Australian Open champion, Pegula must channel her remaining energy into precision. Their head-to-head sits at 2-2, with Pegula winning their last clay-court duel. If she conquers fatigue and claims the title, it could reignite her season.
If not, this stretch may serve as a wake-up call to recalibrate. Either way, Jessica Pegula’s grit—winning while worn—is a storyline that resonates far beyond Charleston.