Jessica Pegula tells Iga Swiatek to 'cut herself some slack' after beating her in the Bad Homburg final
Jessica Pegula and Iga Swiatek were a class above in Bad Homburg as they finished up their Wimbledon preparations in style.The American star was made to work hard on her way to the Bad Homburg final, winning three-setters against Emma Navarro and Linda Noskova in Germany.Swiatek, on the other hand, had a much smoother ride, advancing to her first grass-court final without dropping a set.Photo by Robert Prange/Getty ImagesThe Pole was unable to carry that momentum forward, however, as she lost in straight sets to Pegula 4-6, 5-7.Exchanging pleasantries during the post-match ceremonies, Pegula told Swiatek to cut herself some slack.Jessica Pegula says Iga Swiatek is ‘very good’ on grass and needs to ‘cut herself some slack’After congratulating Pegula on the win, Swiatek revealed what her run to the final says about her grass-court capabilities.“First of all, I want to congratulate Jessie [Pegula], you have an amazing game and you showed that throughout the whole tournament. It was really a big challenge and a pleasure to play against you again,” she said.“Hopefully, we’re going to have many more finals together ahead of us, and congrats on this trophy. For Jessie’s team as well, good job guys.Match Surface Winner Loser Score 2025 Bad Homburg Open – F Grass Jessica Pegula Iga Swiatek 6-4, 7-5 2024 US Open – QF Hard Jessica Pegula Iga Swiatek 6-2, 6-4 2023 WTA Finals – F Hard Iga Swiatek Jessica Pegula 6-1, 6-0 2023 Canadian Open – SF Hard Jessica Pegula Iga Swiatek 6-2, 6-7 6-4 2023 Qatar Open – F Hard Iga Swiatek Jessica Pegula 6-3, 6-0 2023 United Cup – RR Hard Jessica Pegula Iga Swiatek 6-2, 6-2 2022 San Diego – SF Hard Iga Swiatek Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 2022 US Open – QF Hard Iga Swiatek Jessica Pegula 6-3, 7-6 2022 French Open – QF Clay Iga Swiatek Jessica Pegula 6-3, 6-2 2022 Miami Open – SF Hard Iga Swiatek Jessica Pegula 6-2, 7-5 2019 Washington – 2R Hard Jessica Pegula Iga Swiatek 5-7, 6-4, 6-1 Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula’s head-to-head record“I think this tournament shows that there is hope for me on grass. I’m happy that I could play here, I’m happy that I could prove that.”More Tennis NewsReacting to Swiatek’s comments, Pegula gave her verdict on the 24-year-old’s level on grass.“Congrats to Iga [Swiatek], on a great week, and to your team,” said Pegula.“I know you say you can’t play on grass, but trust me, you’re still very good on grass, so cut yourself some slack.”Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty ImagesPegula proceeded to wish Swiatek luck at Wimbledon, a tournament that begins in just two days time.“Good luck next week as well, I know it’s a quick turnaround for both of us, but I hope you guys have a good, healthy few weeks, wish you all nothing but the best,” she said.The American will head to Wimbledon full of confidence, having accomplished a feat no other WTA player can match in 2025.Jessica Pegula becomes the only woman to win titles on all three surfaces in 2025Securing the win in Bad Homburg, Pegula picked up her third title of 2025, on a third different surface.One of just six players to have won multiple titles this year, Pegula has proven her talents on all three surfaces.Name 2025 WTA titles Hard titles Clay titles Grass titles Jessica Pegula 3 1 (ATX Open) 1 (Charleston Open) 1 (Bad Homburg Open) Aryna Sabalenka 3 2 (Brisbane International, Miami Open) 1 (Madrid Open) – McCartney Kessler 2 1 (Hobart International) – 1 (Nottingham Open) Elise Mertens 2 1 (Singapore Open) – 1 (Libema Open) Madison Keys 2 2 (Adelaide International, Australian Open) – – Mirra Andreeva 2 2 (Dubai Tennis Championships, Indian Wells) – – WTA players with multiple titles in 2025Aryna Sabalenka, the only other player with three titles this year, has won titles on clay and hard courts, but is yet to win on grass.Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty ImagesA title at Wimbledon would see Pegula move clear of world number one Sabalenka, although she won’t want to get too far ahead of herself, as she first focuses on her opening match.Pegula will begin her Wimbledon campaign against Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto on Tuesday, July 1.
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