The hype surrounding the new season of tennis is beginning to grow. The 2024 season commences next week when some of the top players will be in action. Further, in a few weeks, the first Grand Slam tournament of the season, the Australian Open will take place. Talks have already started about the Grand Slam Down Under, with players like Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka in the news on the women’s side. However recently, former WTA star, Barbara Schett, opened up about the chances of Jessica Pegula at the Australian Open.

Pegula has had a wonderful 2023 season, where she consistently performed across the tournaments. Additionally, she is one of the top players in the women’s circuit, in both singles as well as doubles. Here’s what Schett had to say about Pegula.

Jessica Pegula backed by Barbara Schett

A few days ago, Schett was involved in an interview with Eurosport. During the interview, she analyzed the chances of WTA players ahead of the 2024 season. Additionally, she also mentioned the name of Jessica Pegula, who Schett believes has a good chance to win the Australian Open.

Talking about this, she said, “You have Iga Swiatek, Sabalenka and Rybakina there. Obviously, we’re talking about the top three, the big three there on the women’s side. But don’t underestimate Jessica Pegula. You have to throw her into the mix. She loves playing on that surface.”

The American star has been consistently making it to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open for the past three seasons. It remains her best performance at the opening major tournament of the season. However, Schett feels that Pegula can better her previous performances and can challenge  Swiatek and Sabalenka.

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Further, Barbara Schett has spoken widely about the end of the dominance of the likes of Swiatek and Sabalenka. She fired a warning to them as Naomi Osaka is set to make a comeback.

What did Schett say about Naomi Osaka?

The Japanese tennis star is set to make a comeback in 2024 after her maternity leave. She has returned to full fitness and is practicing hard to make a positive return. As a result, Schett feels that Osaka might pose a threat to the dominance of Swiatek and Sabalenka.

Schett said, “We know that she can hit the ball extremely hard, so pace is not going to be a problem at all. And one thing is for sure, an Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka or Elena Rybakina, does not want to play against somebody like Naomi Osaka. The pressure will be on for them.”

It promises to be an exciting time to be a tennis fan as some of the top players are returning to the sport in 2024. Do you agree with Schett that Jessica Pegula and Naomi Osaka can challenge the likes of Swiatek and Sabalenka? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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