The draw for the upcoming Cincinnati Open features a matchup between Serena Williams and Emma Raducanu in the opening round, and Jessica Pegula reacted to that news.
Tennis fans are still reeling from the news that Williams will end her legendary career at the US Open. The 23-time Grand Slam champion announced her decision in an article for Vogue.
That means there would already have been intense focus on who Williams played in her penultimate tournament at the Cincinnati Open, but the draw only added to that.
Raducanu became a worldwide name after her stunning run to last year's US Open as a qualifier. It was one of the most unexpected Grand Slam triumphs in tennis history, and she has managed heightened expectations since.
When Williams announced her retirement, it seemed like a clash between Williams and Raducanu would never happen, but fans will get to enjoy a fascinating and exciting clash of the two generations.
Pegula mentioned the difference in the generations in her answer about it. She also said it will be cool for Raducanu to compete against Williams.
"Serena's kind of on her way out. And Emma's already won a Slam, but still on her way in. And it will just be kind of cool to see the two of them out there. I'm sure it's kind of cool for her, at least she gets to play Serena. Serena isn't going to play after the US Open so that will be exciting."
Pegula thinks it is a popcorn match for everyone. She is unsure who will prevail in the contest, but it seems like she will watch it.
“That's a nice popcorn match I guess for everyone. Serena hasn't been playing that much. Emma at least got a little momentum in DC, lost a tough match to Giorgi here. It will be interesting."