Jessica Pegula has just continued her fantastic season by making history at Indian Wells, where she is now into the quarterfinals.
Pegula is seeking an eighth successive semifinal at WTA events in California, but must first get past Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina.
The pair met at that stage in Melbourne, where the Kazakhstan star emerged victorious 6-3, 7-6(9-7) before beating WTA number one Aryna Sabalenka in the final.
Since then, however, Pegula has won the Dubai Tennis Championships, and has just achieved another fantastic feat at Indian Wells.
Which Grand Slam is Jessica Pegula most likely to win?
Jessica Pegula surpasses Venus Williams at Indian Wells
As per OptaAce, Pegula is now the oldest player to reach 20 or more Tier I/WTA-1000 quarter-finals on hard court.
That is since the Tier format’s introduction in 1990, with Pegula (32y 8d) surpassing her fellow American and tennis legend Venus Williams (31y 275d).
It is a fantastic achievement from the veteran, with Pegula representing a fantastic role model for younger players on tour.
She is arguably playing her best tennis right now, showing superb ability and determination to constantly get over the line.
Pegula also played doubles at Indian Wells but lost her opening match alongside compatriot McCartney Kessler.
And iconic figure Williams suffered the same fate in both singles and mixed doubles, playing the latter with Christian Harrison.
Is Jessica Pegula the best American tennis player right now?
There is undoubtedly a real sense of companionship among the American WTA players, with everyone wanting their rivals to do well.
But ultimately individual success is the goal regardless of the opponent, and it seems that Pegula is leading the way among her compatriots right now.
Her consistency certainly suggests that, with Pegula notably the last remaining American player in the WTA Indian Wells draw.
She is joined by Coco Gauff and Amanda Anisimova in the top 10, but that duo have been far from consistent in 2026 so far.
Perhaps it is simply experience that has made the difference, although the struggles of her close friend Madison Keys further highlight just how good Pegula has been lately.
Who will win a Grand Slam title first?
Intriguingly, she may not just be the best American female player right now, but the top American player in general.
Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton are both in the ATP top 10, but the pair suffered early exits at Indian Wells, where rising star Learner Tien remains the only American man.
Interestingly, Pegula has heard of big praise for Tien, who now meets Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals at Tennis Paradise.
The Indian Wells fans will be desperate for a home champion to prevail, which would be a huge boost for all concerned parties ahead of the imminent Miami Open.
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