Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula brought plenty of entertainment to Wimbledon as they shared a show-court practice session on Court No. 1, just days after their thrilling semifinal battle at the Berlin Tennis Open. Sabalenka humorously revealed how her brutal defeat to Pegula made her feel in a playful moment during their reunion.
Aryna Sabalenka Jokes About Being ‘Humiliated’ by Jessica Pegula Ahead of Wimbledon
Pegula and Sabalenka were locked in a closely contested battle for a spot in the final of the WTA 500 event in Berlin. While there was little separating the two initially, the American completely took control in the decider, handing the world No. 1 a bagel to seal a 6-4, 6-7(4), 6-0 victory.
Unsurprisingly, their blockbuster showdown became a talking point when they reunited for a practice session at Wimbledon. With former player-turned-presenter Laura Robson in the umpire’s chair interviewing the pair during the session, Sabalenka was asked what she made of their clash in Berlin.
In a tongue-in-cheek response, the world No. 1 joked that she had relished being “humiliated” by Pegula before making it clear that there were no hard feelings between them.
“Yeah beat me in the third set 6-0,” Sabalenka said. “Oh that was an amazing experience. I felt like I’m a good player. That I really deserve my spot in this sport. She really humiliated me like a baby but I’m still good with her. She’s the best.”
Joining in on the banter, Pegula humorously expressed her shock over Sabalenka asking to train together after her crushing loss, which sparked a hilarious exchange about how their practice session came about.
“I was surprised when she asked me to practice today. I was shocked,” Pegula said.
“Did we ask to practice?” Sabalenka asked.
“I think I set you guys up,” Robson said.
“Oh you did? She didn’t ask at all, so thanks Laura,” Pegula responded.
Aryna keeping it REAL 😂@SabalenkaA • @JPegula • #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/heDcshqZBD
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) June 26, 2026
MORE: Aryna Sabalenka Confronts Heartbreak by Training With Jessica Pegula on Wimbledon Court 1
Interestingly, Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka are on course for another semifinal showdown at the Wimbledon Championships, as they feature in the same half of the draw. However, both players have several matches to win before that thrilling matchup can become a reality.
Pegula, who lost in the first round of the grass-court Major last year, will be out for redemption when she takes on Darja Vidmanova in her opening match. Meanwhile, Sabalenka will kick off her campaign against Teodora Kostović as she hunts for her maiden Wimbledon crown.
