Shelby Rogers finally bid adieu to the professional court. While it was a sad day for the tennis lovers, Rogers had a special friend crying for her retirement, Jessica Pegula. After defeating her talented colleague, Pegula couldn’t help but hold back the tears after the clash. While Pegula’s act shows her amazing friendship with Rogers, it also showcases how their mutual love for a sport brought them closer.

Rogers told the Tennis Channel how she felt when she saw Pegula was emotional after defeating her in her career’s last match. Previously, before the American Slam began, Shelby Rogers declared her decision to retire from the sport she passionately played over the years. “These last couple of years fighting with injuries and surgeries have been challenging. … Now my body is telling me it’s time,” she said referring to her injury-stricken recent few years.

Pegula had an emotional outburst when she ended Rogers’ professional career by defeating her by 6-4, 6-3 at the American Slam’s Round of 16 yesterday. Speaking about that moment with the Tennis Channel, Rogers said, “In the end I was super grateful to have that moment be so special and share it with someone like Jessey, it was just so kind and so sweet and handle that moment better than probably most girls weren’t. I was just not expecting her to cry more than I did. I did not have that on my bingo card.”

The duo hugged each other on the court and Rogers then moved in consoling her opponent. Pegula who had known Rogers since their under-16 days, was “emotional” after the match. More than her happiness for her win, she was sad bidding adieu to her long-term colleague.

For Pegula, Rogers remained an old friend rather than a competitor. She revealed how they played juniors together and “grew up in the same section.” Playing a match with Rogers at the Arthur Ashe Stadium was a dream for Pegula as she technically built her tennis dream with her American colleague. Which is why she couldn’t hold back her tears when Rogers’ career ended yesterday. Pegula a;sp congratulated her opponent and wished her luck for the future.

Jessica Pegula drops a heartwarming farewell message for friend and colleague, Shelby Rogers

Pegula’s emotional outburst represented her affection and love for her American colleague. Despite the sadness, this WTA no 6 fuelled the charm of happiness in Rogers’ life by dropping a heartfelt wish.

“I am sure I’ll see you in Florida and we’ll take our dogs on more playdates. I’ll get to hang out with you and John [Slavik] and congrats to you and your family and everyone’s that here and your team. I know you have been through a lot with injuries and all that stuff so it’s just, I just wish you all the best in the next chapter,” Pegula said.

Shelby Rogers’ farewell was a sad moment for the whole tennis fraternity. Despite injuries, Rogers’ professional journey has inspired many people. Pegula’s reaction to the match result also echoed the respect Rogers received from all. While this WTA player’s journey in tennis received a permanent pause, we wish her all the luck in future.