“Even before the allegations, Zverev was not a likeable person” – Insider questions Jessica Pegula after comments in defense of German

Tennis insider Lucy Deuce recently questioned Jessica Pegula’s defense of Alexander Zverev.

By Riddhi Acharya · Sportskeeda

Published: Saturday, 17 October 2026 at 8:32 AM

Key Things to Know

Tennis insider Lucy Deuce criticized Jessica Pegula for defending Alexander Zverev against fan backlash.
Pegula defended Zverev's World No. 1 ranking after his French Open and US Open victories.
Deuce claimed Zverev was not well-liked and lacked memorable moments even before past allegations.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Tennis insider Lucy Deuce questioned Jessica Pegula after the American defended Alexander Zverev against fan criticism on The Player's Box podcast. Pegula pushed back against claims that Zverev's rise to World No. 1 and his two Grand Slam titles were undeserved due to injuries to Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

In response, Deuce argued on X that Zverev lacked popularity even before past allegations, calling his personality unmemorable. Meanwhile, Pegula qualified for the 2026 WTA Finals in Indian Wells, marking her fifth career appearance at the season-ending tournament.

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