Jessica Pegula, the world No. 3 and one of the WTA Tour’s most consistent performers, faced a stunning upset at the 2025 Madrid Open, falling 6-3, 6-2 to Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima in the third round. The defeat, which marked Uchijima’s first career top-10 victory, was a shock given Pegula’s stellar clay-court form, boasting a 7-1 record on the surface this season. Days after the loss, Pegula took to social media to reveal the underlying challenge behind her performance: she’s been grappling with multiple injuries. “It’s been an interesting few weeks for me,” she wrote on her Instagram story. “Struggling with a few injuries. Quick trip home to get healthy for Rome. Just getting stuck in Newark for 8 hours to get home at 3am stood in my way.” Her candid update has shifted focus from the upset to her determination to recover in time for the Italian Open, the final WTA 1000 tune-up before the French Open.
Pegula’s 2025 season has been a masterclass in resilience. The 30-year-old American, who reached a career-high No. 3 ranking, has racked up 27 wins from 34 matches, including titles in Austin and Charleston, and runner-up finishes in Adelaide and Miami. Her clay campaign began triumphantly, with seven wins in eight matches, including a dominant 6-2, 6-2 victory over Eva Lys in Madrid’s second round. Entering the Uchijima match as a heavy favorite, Pegula started strong, breaking early for a 2-1 lead. But her game unraveled, with 46 unforced errors and five service breaks exposing an uncharacteristic lack of sharpness. Uchijima, ranked No. 56, capitalized with relentless aggression, winning nine consecutive games to secure a 79-minute rout. “I just still can’t believe I won,” Uchijima said post-match, reflecting on her dream run in Madrid, where she also upset No. 26 seed Ons Jabeur.
The loss was a rare blip for Pegula, whose tactical acumen and steady groundstrokes have made her a formidable force. Observers noted her subdued demeanor, a possible sign of physical discomfort. Her Instagram post confirmed these suspicions, hinting at injuries that likely hampered her movement and precision against Uchijima. While Pegula didn’t specify the injuries, her decision to return home to Florida for treatment underscores their severity. The eight-hour delay in Newark, stranding her until 3 a.m., added a frustrating coda to an already challenging week. Yet, her focus remains forward-looking: “Quick trip home to get healthy for Rome.” The Italian Open, starting May 6, is a critical stepping stone to Roland Garros, where Pegula has yet to advance beyond the quarterfinals.
This isn’t Pegula’s first brush with injury. In 2024, a neck issue forced her to skip the Middle East hardcourt swing, and she withdrew from Madrid’s singles event, though she competed in doubles. Her ability to bounce back has been a hallmark of her career. After a quarterfinal exit in Stuttgart last month, she roared to the Charleston title, defeating Sofia Kenin in the final. “I’m just trying to build momentum for the big ones,” Pegula said earlier this season, eyeing her first Grand Slam title after a runner-up finish at the 2024 US Open. Her 20 wins over WTA 1000 champions since 2020, trailing only Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elena Rybakina, highlight her elite status.
Uchijima’s victory, meanwhile, was a breakthrough. The 23-year-old, who was 0-6 against top-10 players, credited her fearless approach. “I just try not to think about the score, because when you think you have a chance, then you start to get nervous,” she said. Her run to the Madrid fourth round, a career first at a WTA 1000, has propelled her into the top 50. For Pegula, the loss stings but offers perspective. “Struggling with a few injuries” suggests a need for rest and rehabilitation, but her track record points to a swift return. With the Italian Open looming, Pegula’s fans are hopeful she’ll channel this setback into fuel for another deep run, proving once again why she’s among the WTA’s toughest competitors.
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