No matter the success, it is respect for the opponent that makes an athlete great in their fields. Be it Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal, all have maintained a humble personality on the court. Defending champion of the Canadian Open, Jessica Pegula showcased a similar spirit when she had nothing but good things to say about her quarterfinal opponent Peyton Stearns. As the duo preps for their rivalry tomorrow, Pegula’s compliment for Stearns showcases why the WTA no 6 is a legend in the making.

Pegula has reached the Canadian Open’s quarterfinals against Peyton Stearns after defeating Ashlyn Krueger 6-2, 6-4. Their match will take place at the Center Court tomorrow. Before facing off against Stearns, Pegula dropped a compliment for her American opponent mentioning her exclusive forehand skills. “Yeah, I mean, Peyton’s super talented, really good athlete, very flashy. Like, I feel like her highs are really high, where she’s ripping forehands and moving well and playing aggressive,” Pegula said.

Mentioning their last match in DC, Pegula hoped for a good experience when she plays Stearns. “She’s had a year under her belt on tour, played some really big matches, had some good wins, good experiences, so I’m sure it will be a completely different match. Seems like she’s been battling hard out there and staying in these matches, giving herself chances to win, and, yeah, I feel like she’s playing pretty confident, it seems like,” Pegula said further.

The world’s no 6 star seemed quite enthusiastic about her match against her compatriot. Despite their rivalry, Pegula had a lot of hope about Stearns’ ability in the sport. Pegula also believed that Stearns has the skills to take US tennis back to its prime “I think, yeah, I think she’s extremely talented and she’s got a good career ahead of her,” Pegula concluded.

Although Pegula’s faces jeopardy in her title defense as she is to face Stearns, she kept a calm mind and showed true sportsmanship. The 30-year-old has always been someone who has uplifted other athletes. After being defeated in the Charleston Open, she was happy to see women’s sports being in her timeline. “I feel like it’s Danielle Collins, Nelly Korda, and Caitlin Clark’s world right now because that’s my whole timeline. What a fun time for women’s sports.”

Despite Stearns being her opponent, she found only praise for the youngster. As she rips the stage apart in singles, she makes sure to find kind words for her opponents. Apart from Stearns, Pegula shared an adorable gesture for Danielle Collins and spoiled her

Danielle Collins gets spoiled by Jessica Pegula with a lady’s best friend

When Collins and Pegula played in the Indian Wells Masters, the former shared a story about how the latter managed to give her an amazing gift. After finding victory against Olivia Gadecki at the ATX Open, she said “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, that’s all I’m going to say. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, so if anyone wants to get me some diamonds, I’m going to take them, honey.”

Pegula found her post and promptly gifted some diamonds to the player on her way to retirement. “Thank you @jpegula for spoiling me!! I asked for some diamonds last week and @jpegula and @gorjana delivered.”

Pegula has the competitive spirit but she can also find praise for those who will eventually face her. She uplifted Stearns before the two play against each other, but she will only look for a win when the match begins.