Jessica Pegula is absolutely on fire at the 2026 Italian Open, and she's not giving her opponents an inch. The American star has stormed through her early rounds in Rome with a level of dominance that has fans and analysts alike taking notice.
After dispatching Turkish rising star Zeynep Sonmez 6-4, 6-0 in her Round of 64 match, Pegula stepped onto the clay to face Swedish player Rebeka Masarova. What followed was a masterclass in precision and power: Pegula delivered a stunning double bagel, winning 6-0, 6-0 in under an hour. It marks the first double bagel of her career, a rare and impressive feat on any surface.
This performance is Pegula's most one-sided victory since she swept Liudmila Samsonova 6-0, 6-1 at the 2023 National Bank Open. But it's not just about the scoreline—it's about the confidence she's carrying into this tournament. Earlier this spring, Pegula won her second straight Charleston Open on the green clay of South Carolina, cementing her status as a formidable force on the dirt. That title run showed she can adapt her game to the slower, more strategic demands of clay, and she's clearly brought that momentum to Rome.
Many consider Pegula one of the best players on the WTA Tour yet to win a Grand Slam. She's come agonizingly close on the hard courts at the US Open, but her recent clay-court success suggests she could be a serious threat at Roland Garros. American fans are hoping she—and her beloved Buffalo Sabres, who also have a crucial NHL playoff series on Sunday—can keep the winning going.
Pegula isn't just focusing on singles in Rome. She's also teaming up with Australian Storm Hunter for doubles, adding another layer to her busy schedule. Since formally ending her partnership with Coco Gauff, Pegula has played sporadic doubles, but her chemistry with Hunter could be a factor in the later rounds.
With the Italian Open heating up, Pegula is proving she's ready for the biggest stages. Whether you're a tennis fan or just love seeing an athlete in peak form, this is a run worth watching.