Jessica Pegula named which of her American compatriots can go furthest at Roland Garros.
The 30-year-old will sit out the clay court Grand Slam as she is still recovering from an injury that has kept her out of action since April’s Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers.
Though she is unable to play, the World number five is keeping a close eye on the tournament, especially regarding the progress of her US compatriots.
American number one Coco Gauff and the in-form Danielle Collins are the top US contenders for the French Open.
One player not to overlook is World number 18 Madison Keys, who is gradually returning to form following a long injury layoff.
How does Jessica Pegula rate the US players’ chances at the French Open?
Pegula assessed how Gauff, Collins and Keys could fare in their pursuit of a first French Open title. Gauff knows what it takes to win a major after claiming the 2023 US Open, and she reached the Roland Garros final back in 2022.
Collins has won 20 of her last 22 matches and is incredibly dangerous on court while Keys has been gradually building some momentum after deep runs at the Madrid and Italian Open.
Commenting on her fellow Americans, Pegula told The French Connection Podcast: “They are all playing really well and can all play really well on clay.
“Madi is always dangerous when she’s starting to find her form, which it seems like she has in the last couple of weeks. Danielle is the same, it’s hard to beat someone when she’s riding that much confidence.
“Coco has just been competing and proving at a slam she is really tough to beat and I know she loves playing in Paris, I think it’s her favourite tournament
“She is going to go deep there no matter what. So it depends on the draws and match ups, I think they are huge on clay, so honestly I have no idea. I think that’s a total toss up.”
Jessica Pegula comments on a possible Coco Gauff vs Danielle Collins matchup
Given their form over the clay court season, it is possible that Gauff and Collins could face one another at Roland Garros.
This would be the pair’s first ever meeting should this occur in Paris. Gauff expressed her disappointment over not playing Collins in Rome, as they lost to the tournament’s two finalists Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka.
This is a matchup that can take place in the semi-finals and it is one that Pegula is excited by.
“Oh wow, crazy. That will be one to watch,” she said. “It is hard to beat someone with that much confidence but Coco is really confident on clay so that will be a really, really good match.”
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