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Jessica Pegula tells Iga Swiatek to ‘cut herself some slack’ after beating her in the Bad Homburg final

Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images
Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images
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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.

Iga Swiatek looks on during her win over Ekaterina Alexandrova at the Bad Homburg Open
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images

The 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.

MatchSurfaceWinnerLoserScore
2025 Bad Homburg Open – FGrassJessica PegulaIga Swiatek6-4, 7-5
2024 US Open – QFHardJessica PegulaIga Swiatek6-2, 6-4
2023 WTA Finals – FHardIga SwiatekJessica Pegula6-1, 6-0
2023 Canadian Open – SFHardJessica PegulaIga Swiatek6-2, 6-7 6-4
2023 Qatar Open – FHardIga SwiatekJessica Pegula6-3, 6-0
2023 United Cup – RRHardJessica PegulaIga Swiatek6-2, 6-2
2022 San Diego – SFHardIga SwiatekJessica Pegula4-6, 6-2, 6-2
2022 US Open – QFHardIga SwiatekJessica Pegula6-3, 7-6
2022 French Open – QFClayIga SwiatekJessica Pegula6-3, 6-2
2022 Miami Open – SFHardIga SwiatekJessica Pegula6-2, 7-5
2019 Washington – 2RHardJessica PegulaIga Swiatek5-7, 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.”

Reacting 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.”

Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula pose together after the 2025 Bad Homburg Open final.
Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

Pegula 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 2025

Securing 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.

Name2025 WTA titlesHard titlesClay titlesGrass titles
Jessica Pegula31 (ATX Open)1 (Charleston Open)1 (Bad Homburg Open)
Aryna Sabalenka32 (Brisbane International, Miami Open)1 (Madrid Open)
McCartney Kessler21 (Hobart International)1 (Nottingham Open)
Elise Mertens21 (Singapore Open)1 (Libema Open)
Madison Keys22 (Adelaide International, Australian Open)
Mirra Andreeva22 (Dubai Tennis Championships, Indian Wells)
WTA players with multiple titles in 2025

Aryna 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.

Jessica Pegula poses with the Charleston title after beating Sofia Kenin in the final
Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

A 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.