Jessica Pegula has made the unexpected announcement regarding her separation from her coach of five years, David Witt, causing a stir in the tennis community. The decision took Witt by surprise, as he has been in partnership with Pegula since 2019, when she held a ranking outside of the top 75 in the world. “It was a complete shock to me. I never anticipated this,” he expressed to TENNIS.com two weeks following the separation.
Pegula’s withdrawal from her Adelaide quarter-final and a disappointing exit in the second round of the Australian Open, as well as her subsequent withdrawal from the doubles, ultimately led to her significant choice to part ways with her long-standing coach. Presently dealing with a neck injury that has led to her withdrawal from the Middle East swing, the 29-year-old athlete and Witt, who previously coached Venus Williams, joined forces in the summer of 2019. Their collaboration saw immediate success, as Pegula, then ranked as the 79th best in the world, secured her first title in Washington and ascended to a career-high ranking of No. 55. Subsequently, Pegula has achieved top three rankings in singles and No. 1 in doubles.
Witt remains optimistic about Pegula’s chances of securing a Grand Slam victory, despite his absence from her corner. “She’s clearly on the brink. Our objectives were aimed at winning a Grand Slam. Unfortunately, we were unable to achieve that, but I believe everything else has been exceptional,” he remarked. It is currently uncertain whom Pegula will select as a replacement for the 50-year-old coach. The player, currently ranked No. 4 in the world, is expected to make a comeback in San Diego at the end of the month, following her withdrawal from the WTA 1000 events in Doha and Dubai due to a neck injury.
Pegula, whose father possesses a net worth of £5.4 billion and owns the Buffalo Bills, has a Major quarter-final record of 0-8. As for Witt, he anticipates finding a new coaching position with another player. “I take pleasure in coaching and being present on the tour, assisting individuals – be they male or female,” he affirmed. “I am on the lookout for the next challenge, the next individual eager to work diligently, set goals, evolve, and flourish.”
In conclusion, Jessica Pegula’s unexpected decision to part ways with her long-standing coach has ignited much speculation within the tennis community regarding her next steps and the trajectory of her career.