Jessica Pegula: Climbing the WTA rankings with 1% improvement
Jan 9, 2022
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18th ranked Jessica Pegula discusses her climb in the WTA rankings, the importance of 1% improvement, her basic match tactic, and the role of junior tennis experience. She also shares insights on practice 'tickles' and her dogs' dietary habits.
Improved health and fitness have been crucial for Jessica Pegula's jump in rankings, allowing her to play more tournaments and perform at a higher level consistently.
Hitting hard down the middle with flat shots has become Pegula's main tactic, putting pressure on opponents and maintaining control of points effectively.
Deep dives
The Importance of Health and Fitness in Improving Ranking
Jessica Boguilla attributes her jump in rankings to her improved health and fitness. Being healthy and staying fit has allowed her to play more tournaments, gain experience, and perform at a higher level week in and week out. By focusing on her physical well-being, she has become mentally tougher and more able to stay in matches and win points using different strategies.
The Significance of the "Hard Middle" Tactic
Boguilla emphasizes the effectiveness of hitting hard down the middle as her main tactic during matches. By hitting flat and hard shots up the middle of the court, she puts pressure on her opponents and forces them into defensive positions. This strategy allows her to maintain control of points and stay in matches, regardless of the opponent's playing style. It has become her baseline play, providing consistency and stability in her game.
The Importance of Small Goals and Continuous Improvement
Boguilla emphasizes the significance of setting small goals every day and continuously working on improving. She believes that focusing on small daily improvements and building upon them over time is more effective than getting caught up in big wins or losses. By prioritizing incremental progress and daily growth, she has been able to navigate the ups and downs of her tennis journey and maintain motivation and drive.
The Mental Aspects of Overcoming Challenges
Boguilla highlights the mental aspects of competing on the biggest stages and overcoming obstacles. She stresses the importance of positive visualization, focusing on momentum shifts during matches, and building experience and confidence over time. By having a game plan, making decisions, and staying mentally tough, she has been able to navigate challenging moments in matches and come out on top.
18th ranked Jessica Pegula joins us for the first episode of Baseline Intelligence. She recently wrapped up a career year by reaching the quarterfinals of the 2021 Australian Open and jumping 44 spots in the WTA Rankings.
We talk:
1:55 - What she credits her jump in the rankings to
7:25 - How 1% improvement makes all the difference
10:35 - What she counts as a bad error
14:45 - Her most basic tactic in a match
21:36 - What she did as a junior that helped her become a pro
23:56 - What she would do differently as a junior player
34:34 - Tells us about practice "tickles"
38:10 - Why she feeds her dogs so much before she goes on the road
**Sound effects from https://www.zapsplat.com
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