Jessica Pegula recalls bizarre ‘Cotton Eye Joe’ incident from 2023

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Aug 4, 2026, 6:35 PM

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

Jessica Pegula recalls bizarre ‘Cotton Eye Joe’ incident from 2023
Summary

Jessica Pegula reflected on the infamous 'Cotton Eye Joe' incident during her semifinal match against Iga Świątek at the 2023 Canadian Open. The match was interrupted by the song playing unexpectedly, causing confusion among players and fans. Pegula, now ranked No. 3 in the world, insists there was never a proper investigation into the incident, which she believes was not an accident. Pegula is preparing for the upcoming Canadian Open in Toronto, starting against Magdalena Frech after recently finishing as the runner-up at the Mubadala DC Open.

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By the Numbers
  • Pegula lost second set to Świątek after the interruption
  • She won the match 6-2, 6-7(4), 6-4
  • Pegula suggests the song was deliberately played
  • She is ranked No. 3 and has a 38-10 record this season
  • Next, Pegula faces Magdalena Frech in Toronto
Latest Updates
  • 6:35 PMYahoo Sports‘Never a Proper Investigation’ – Jessica Pegula Refuses To Let Go of ‘Infamous’ Incident Against Iga Świątek in Canada
What they're saying
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Jessica Pegula still hasn’t forgotten about “Cotton Eye Joe. ” It was three years ago, during the Canadian Open in Montreal, that one of the most bizarre moments in recent tennis history took place.

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