BILLIE JEAN KING CUP

April 15, 2023

Jessica Pegula

Team USA

Press Conference

J. PEGULA/J. Grabher

6-1, 6-3

USA - 3

Austria - 0

Q. (No microphone.)

JESSICA PEGULA: Yeah, I was really happy that I got to clinch the match today, especially after winning a pretty tough match last night, you just felt like you have a match under you, you feel a little more comfortable in the conditions. I really tried to go out and tried to clinch the win for us.

It was the first time in singles. Obviously last year we had a really crazy doubles match that was insane and fun, though.

I think it's fun and a privilege to be in this moment and do it. Obviously a little bit of pressure, but I think it's fun to get up for those types of matches.

Q. (No microphone.)

JESSICA PEGULA: We talked a little bit. I mean, I watched her match. It was pretty straightforward, I feel like, as far as just a couple of patterns.

At the same time you don't really want to overthink, you still want to play your game. I think it's just taking big points at the right moments to maybe go back to the strategy of what you need to do against her, which I thought I did really well today.

Yeah, two totally different players, different conditions. I think the court was playing a lot faster. A lot hotter today. A little windy, which was tricky.

I'm happy I was able to adjust, but at the same time I think I still played a straightforward match as far as my game style.

Q. (No microphone.)

JESSICA PEGULA: I would say definitely it probably favors us. All of us are used to playing in hot, humid conditions. Most of us are from Florida, having played the Miami Open...

I think it definitely favors us. Even if it's a little hot, I haven't really been playing in the heat, but in general when you're training here and you're used to it, I think it comes back to you easier. Makes us feel more comfortable. I think it probably favored us today.

I actually lost my Bose headphones in Miami. I've been using the old ones. They have the American flag on the side.

Q. You finished a tough second set last night. How did you deal with mental and physical fatigue with this match today?

JESSICA PEGULA: I honestly think it's because what I've been doing the last month. I've been finishing matches at 1 a.m. and coming out the next day and playing a lot of matches, playing a really tough schedule, which is just because I've been winning a lot of matches. Also playing singles and doubles.

I think I honestly just get used to that. It was kind of a quick turnaround to be back here hitting on-site at like 12:30. I'm staying home, so I didn't get home till 11-ish. It was a quick turnaround, but nothing I haven't been used to the last month or so. That probably helped me prepare.

Q. What's next for you? Any rest for the weary?

JESSICA PEGULA: I leave for Madrid next Friday, so I have a little bit of time, a week.

Q. You won 25 of 20 first serve points. Talk about your serve.

JESSICA PEGULA: Yeah, I mean, yesterday I thought I didn't serve that great. I didn't serve a very high percentage. I served well when I needed to, but I don't really want to have to serve myself out of games if I don't have to.

I think today with the hotter conditions, I switched up my tension a little bit. I think I was just serving better today, hitting my spots, going after it especially in the windy conditions, which can be tough.

Yeah, that's a great stat. I love to see that stat. It's good.

Q. Do you have any family here? Is your dad here?

JESSICA PEGULA: Actually not. He's out of town. I had no family here today. I had a couple of family friends that came and watched and my husband was here. My parents were not in town, so not able to come.