Former American player Shelby Rogers recently announced on social media that she’s expecting her first child. What was likely one of the most special moments of her life was warmly celebrated by the tennis fraternity, with heartfelt wishes pouring in from top players like Madison Keys, Coco Gauff, and Jessica Pegula.
Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys and Others React to Shelby Rogers’ Pregnancy News
It’s been nearly two years since the American exchanged vows with her longtime partner, John Slavik, in a charming ceremony at the Harborside East in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
The 32-year-old revealed her pregnancy in an Instagram post featuring her husband and their two adorable dogs. The couple shared that their little one is expected to arrive in January next year.
“Expecting our first baby in January! We are so excited for this new adventure together! (Maple will come around 😂) ” The caption read.
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As noted, the update was met with a wave of heartfelt wishes from several tennis players. Current World No. 4 Pegula wrote, “Congrats,” accompanied by a heart emoji. Moreover, reigning Australian Open champion Keys wrote, “Congratulations!!!” Like her peers, Gauff also shared a short but heartfelt message for Rogers, “awww congratulations.”
The comment section was flooded with warm wishes, including one from former American player John Isner, who wrote:
“Best News! Congrats!”
Former World No. 18, Alison Riske, reacted by writing:
“EEEEEEKKKKKK!!!! Can’t contain ourselves over here!❤️❤️❤️😍😍😍 beautiful photo!”
“Congratulations,” Canadian youngster and World No. 85 Victoria Mboko commented.
Moreover, five-time doubles Grand Slam champion Bethanie Mattek-Sands also extended her wishes to Rogers, writing:
“Ahhh! So exciting!!”
Also reacting to the news were former World No. 13 Jennifer Brady and former World No. 56 Naomi Broady.
“Yesss,” wrote Brady, while Broady commented, “Arghhhhhhh.”
Rogers responded warmly to Broady, who herself welcomed twin babies in 2022, stating: “Need some tips super mama.”
Joining the chorus of well-wishers from the tennis fraternity was 2018 Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki.
Rogers, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 30 in 2022, announced her retirement on social media ahead of the 2024 US Open. She played her final match in the first round at Flushing Meadows, losing in straight sets to sixth seed and fellow American Pegula.
Pegula, Gauff, and Keys Gearing Up for the 2025 Cincinnati Open
Gauff has struggled to find her rhythm since winning her second Major title at the French Open. She suffered back-to-back early exits during the grass-court swing in Berlin and Wimbledon. She couldn’t begin her North American hard-court campaign on a strong note either, falling to unseeded Victoria Mboko in the fourth round of the Canadian Open.
Holding a 33–11 win-loss record this season, the 21-year-old will look to bounce back at the Cincinnati Open, the final lead-up event before the US Open. Last year, she entered the tournament as the second seed but suffered a second-round exit at the hands of Yulia Putintseva.
Pegula was also among the top players to suffer surprising early exits during the hard-court swing, losing in the second round of the Mubadala Citi DC Open and in the third round of the Canadian Open, where she was a two-time defending champion. Her final chance to build momentum ahead of the US Open now lies in Cincinnati, where she finished runner-up last year.
HAVE A DAY @SabalenkaA 👏👏👏
Sabalenka defeats Pegula 6-3, 7-5 and captures the title in Cincinnati! #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/d3jttqwOXm
— wta (@WTA) August 19, 2024
Keys kicked off her hard-court swing with a quarterfinal run at the Canadian Open before falling in straight sets to 16th seed Clara Tauson. Though she didn’t play in Cincinnati last year, her impressive hard-court form this season, including an Australian Open triumph, makes her a strong contender this time.
