Tennis star Jessica Pegula recently unveiled her Mount Rushmore of women’s tennis, naming the four players she believes have had the greatest impact on the game. This personal list from the world No. 3 highlights the legends who not only dominated on the court but also inspired generations of athletes including Pegula herself.
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In the original list, Pegula selected:
- Serena Williams
- Venus Williams
- Steffi Graf
- Chris Evert
However, after being reminded that the question referred specifically to American players, Pegula replaced Steffi Graf with Monica Seles, completing her Mount Rushmore of women’s tennis with four legendary U.S. champions.
“I didn’t realize it was American only at first,” Pegula admitted with a smile. “But if it is, I’d definitely put Monica Seles in there.”
Why These Four Players Define the Mount Rushmore of Women’s Tennis
Each player in Jessica Pegula’s Mount Rushmore of women’s tennis has made unforgettable contributions to the sport:
- Serena Williams – With 23 Grand Slam titles, Serena is often regarded as the greatest of all time.
- Venus Williams – A 7-time major champion and fierce advocate for equal pay in tennis.
- Chris Evert – Known for her consistency and grace, she hold 18 Grand Slam titles.
- Monica Seles – Despite career cut short she earned 9 Grand Slam wins and revolutionized baseline power tennis.
Pegula’s choices offer fans a reflective look at women’s tennis through the eyes of a top active player, bridging the past and present of the sport.
Jessica Pegula on Her Mount Rushmore of Women’s Tennis
Pegula emphasized that choosing only four players was difficult, given the sport’s rich history. But she stood by her revised lineup as a tribute to the greatness of American women in tennis.
“They’ve shaped what the game is today. Each one changed tennis in their own way,” Pegula said, explaining why they earned a place on her Mount Rushmore of women’s tennis.
