“Craziest thing ever” – Jessica Pegula publicly calls out United Airlines after nightmare baggage situation on the way to WTA Finals
Jessica Pegula’s build-up to the WTA Finals has gone awry before a ball has been hit, and the problem had nothing to do with her groundstrokes. The World No. 4 has been forced to spend time dealing with an airline rather than hitting a practice court.
Pegula’s last competitive outing came at the Wuhan Open, where Jelena Ostapenko beat her 2-6, 7-6 (7), 6-3 after saving three match points in the second-set tiebreak. Prior to that, the American made a stellar run to the US Open semifinals, losing to Aryna Sabalenka at the New York Major for the third year in a row.
The 32-year-old is now set to compete at the WTA Finals, scheduled to take place from Nov. 8 to 15 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The event moved to California after two editions in Riyadh, and the draw ceremony is set for Nov. 3.
However, Pegula’s trip there did not go to plan. The World No. 4 expressed frustration with United Airlines on X, detailing how the airline cancelled her flight and sent passengers to baggage claim, then reinstated it and departed with their bags on board. She said the aircraft sat for more than two hours in a torrential downpour while everyone else went back to the gate, and that baggage services had no idea what was happening.
United responded with an apology for the mix-up and a request for her confirmation number by direct message.
“We understand that travel doesn’t always go as planned, and we’re sorry for the frustration, Jessie. Please DM us your confirmation number so we can assist,” the comment read.
