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Jessica Pegula said playing Serena Williams in the 2020 Auckland final was a “really cool” experience even though she didn’t manage to win the title. In 2020, 28-year-old Pegula made her first and lone appearance in Auckland.
In her Auckland debut, Pegula enjoyed a very strong outing as she made the final. After beating former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki in the Auckland semifinal, Pegula got a chance to test herself against Williams in the final.
In the final, Pegula couldn’t stun Williams as the 23-time Grand Slam champion won 6-3 6-4.
Pegula on the 2020 Auckland final versus Williams
“The final was actually really cool because not a lot of people can say they have played her [Serena Williams] in a final.
I know she was also trying to play tournaments, get matches. It was her first title as a mom so I know it was really special. I know her daughter was there with her and it was pretty cool to see them that week. It was a cool experience,” Pegula said, per Sportskeeda.
“I think the biggest thing for me was - I haven't even like practiced, I practiced with her once after that. But that was the first time I really even hit with her or practiced or whatever. Just feeling her presence, the power that she has.
You can definitely feel it on the other side of the court and that was something that was different from other players”. The 2020 Auckland final was the first and lone meeting between Pegula and Williams. Now, Pegula is the top-ranked American female tennis player.
On the other side, Williams is set to retire from tennis at this year’s Us Open. Before Williams heads to the US Open, she will also play in Cincinnati. It remains to be seen if Pegula will get a chance to clash Williams before the 23-time Grand Slam champion retires.