Thu Jul 24 22:10:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Jessica Pegula, currently ranked among the top players on the WTA Tour, is competing in the Citi Open in Washington D.C., the same location where she won her first WTA title in 2019. Pegula reflects on how important that win was to her career, removing mental barriers and paving the way for future success. After defeating Kateřina Siniaková, Iga Swiatek, Lauren Davis and Anna Kalinskaya, she won the tournament against Camila Giorgi. Pegula begins her quest for a second Washington D.C. title with a match against Leylah Fernandez.
**News Article:**
**Pegula Returns to Citi Open, Reflects on Landmark First Title**
WASHINGTON D.C. – World-renowned tennis player Jessica Pegula has returned to the scene of her first WTA title, the Citi Open in Washington D.C., with sights on repeating her 2019 triumph. Pegula, now a seasoned veteran with a Grand Slam final appearance and a career-high ranking of world number two under her belt, fondly recalled the significance of that breakthrough victory during a pre-tournament press conference.
“For me, getting that monkey off my back, being able to do it at a tour level for the first time, was great,” Pegula stated. She emphasized the mental hurdle of achieving that initial milestone and how it propelled her to greater heights. Since that victory, Pegula has accumulated eight more singles titles and multiple doubles titles, showcasing her remarkable growth.
In 2019, Pegula had a good run, winning five matches against Kateřina Siniaková, Iga Swiatek, Lauren Davis and Anna Kalinskaya. Ultimately she defeated Camila Giorgi to win her first title.
Pegula, who will face Leylah Fernandez in her opening match, hopes to replicate her past success and add another Citi Open title to her impressive resume.
First Piper 