Jessica Pegula continues to struggle in her matches against Elena Rybakina.
Pegula is one of the most consistent players on the WTA Tour, and has earned the third highest amount of ranking points so far this year.
The American has only lost four matches in 2026, with three of Pegula’s defeats this year coming against Rybakina.
Pegula lost to Rybakina in her Miami Open quarterfinal, and there was a clear difference between the two players.
Jessica Pegula needs to be more aggressive against Elena Rybakina
Pegula won the first set against Rybakina but she was ultimately beaten 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, in her fourth consecutive defeat against the Australian Open champion.
Prior to the match taking place, Pegula claimed she had become more aggressive as a result of the likes of Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka, but there is still a clear difference between the two players.
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Many, including Coco Gauff, believe that Rybakina has the best serve on the WTA Tour, which she showcased in the 15 aces she produced against Pegula.
Despite hitting eight fewer aces than Rybakina, it was actually Pegula who won a greater percentage of points on her first serve.
Pegula also hit fewer unforced errors than Rybakina, but the real differential between the two players is in the number of winners they both hit.
Rybakina was rewarded for her aggressive approach to the match, as she hit 16 more winners than Pegula.
This should be a sign for Pegula to take her aggressive game style to another level, as the risks Rybakina is taking in going for her shots more is clearly being rewarded.
| Elena Rybakina | Jessica Pegula | |
| Aces | 15 | 7 |
| Points won on serve | 61% | 65% |
| Winners | 42 | 26 |
| Unforced Errors | 29 | 18 |
Jessica Pegula should hold on to something from her latest defeat to Elena Rybakina
Pegula initially led her head-to-head against Rybakina 3-1, but she now trails the Kazakhstani 5-3.
The world number five will understandably be disappointed by her latest defeat to Rybakina, but Pegula should be encouraged by something.
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Three of Pegula’s four previous defeats to Rybakina had been straight sets losses, but she actually managed to win the first set in Miami.
Pegula should be encouraged by this, as it shows she is making strides in her bid to close the gap on both Rybakina and Sabalenka.
| Year | Tournament | Result |
| 2022 | Miami Open (R32) | Pegula beat Rybakina, 6-3 6-4 |
| 2022 | Guadalajara Open (R32) | Pegula beat Rybakina, 2-6 6-3 7-6(8) |
| 2023 | Miami Open (SF) | Rybakina beat Pegula, 7-6(3) 6-4 |
| 2023 | WTA Finals (RR) | Pegula beat Rybakina, 7-5 6-2 |
| 2025 | WTA Finals (SF) | Rybakina beat Pegula, 4-6 6-4 6-3 |
| 2026 | Australian Open (SF) | Rybakina beat Pegula, 6-3 7-6(7) |
| 2026 | Indian Wells (QF) | Rybakina beat Pegula, 6-1 7-6(4) |
| 2026 | Miami Open (QF) | Rybakina beat Pegula, 2-6 6-3 6-4 |
Following her quarterfinal defeat in Miami, Pegula will now switch her attention to the clay court season.
Pegula won the Charleston Open last year, and next week she will return to the WTA 500 tournament to defend her title.
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