MIAMI OPEN PRESENTED BY ITAú

March 29, 2023

Jessica Pegula

Mixed Zone

J. PEGULA/A. Potapova

4-6, 6-3, 7-6

Q. Just in terms of turning that around, what was the key?

JESSICA PEGULA: No idea. I mean, I don't know. I was just competing and I was trying to play my game or have my game plan. She was just playing fearless, just going for her shots and moving well and just returning well.

I think the key was just not to get too frustrated and just try and stay at least one break in that third, even though I was like gassed, just try and see what happens. I knew regardless she was going to get tight trying to close it out. I think she got a little tight, and I was just able to take my chances, I guess.

Q. Going into that tiebreak, you said you felt a little gassed and it looked like the legs were heavy?

JESSICA PEGULA: I mean, legs were heavy at like 2-0 in the third. I don't know. I think I worked so hard to win that second set, and then to, yeah, to go up 2-0 to get the break, it just hit me and I kind of had a lull there for a couple of games.

I was just, Try and keep it one break, just keep it close, give myself a chance to make her serve it out. That's really what I wanted to do in the third. I did and was able to capitalize on that. That's really it. Actually, the tiebreak, I played a good tiebreak I thought.

Q. In terms of the emotions after that, I know it's late, you're tired, a lot going on, but what does a win like this mean to you?

JESSICA PEGULA: It's huge. I haven't been that physically tired in just a really long time. Just the humidity was taking so much out of me, and I haven't been able to play in humidity like that in a while.

It was just really tough, so really, it was just pure will. Yeah, it means a lot.

Q. Next obviously Rybakina. You never lost to her. What is the challenge of playing her? What did you see of her at the start of this year?

JESSICA PEGULA: Yeah. I mean, I don't mind playing her, at least in the past. Obviously I think she's picked up her level since then, so it's going to be a really tough test especially after this past match, physically see how I feel, as well. Hopefully I can recover in time. At least I have another day.

You know, I'm just going to have to go out there and compete and play my game. I mean, she's been playing some great tennis. I feel like her and Sabalenka are the ones to beat right now, so it's going to be a great test and I think a deserved semi for a tournament like this.