Jessica Pegula 'flabbergasted' by Jelena Ostapenko's unusual money making attempt

Wednesday, 26 November 2025 at 21:30

byJordan Reynolds

Jelena Ostapenko's attempts to earn some extra money despite her successful career drew the attention of fellow WTA star Jessica Pegula.

As the 2017 French Open women's singles winner, 2024 US Open women's doubles champion, and multiple-time WTA titlist, Ostapenko has accumulated over $18 million in prize money since starting her professional career.

The Latvian also won a Porsche after winning the indoor clay-court tournament sponsored by the automobile manufacturer in Stuttgart. Her memorable run there included triumphs against Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka.

That history meant many fans were confused when Ostapenko put several small items up for sale on an Instagram account she runs. They included used beauty items and vacuum cleaners, products that most wealthy players probably throw out when they are done with them.

In an episode of The Player's Box Podcast, Pegula mentioned the account name where the items are up for sale and, despite being surprised by Ostapenko's efforts, she praised the variety of items on offer.

"We have to give a shoutout to Jelena Ostapenko. Talking about utilizing the most of your career, she is selling things on Instagram. We have to give her a plug. So, anyways, we had in here as Jelena's Marketplace, which is really funny. She's selling stuff. Her Instagram handle is @j.o.clothes1997."

"I was like what what are you talking about? You bought things from Ostapenko and it's like random kind of stuff. So she sold a Dyson vacuum cleaner. She sold some perfumes. I think I saw she also sold clothes, bathing suits, like it doesn't matter. That's everything you could ever wish for."

The always honest Pegula admitted to being stunned by it, but respects the former French Open winner's commitment to earning as much money as possible and is interested in what she sells next.

"I'm like flabbergasted by the fact that she does this, but we also, I think, respect it because girl's just trying to like get her bag and make her money. A little cash here and there, you know? Why not? It's kind of awesome."

"Honestly, kudos to you. We kind of absolutely love it and you just keep selling your stuff. I mean, can't wait to see what's on there next. The Dyson vacuum cleaner is like a legit purchase."

Jessica Pegula had an awkward exchange at the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup Finals

In an episode of the Player's Box Podcast, Pegula recounted how a cleaning lady at the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Shenzhen walked into her hotel bathroom while she was showering, leaving the American startled.

Because of the language barrier, Pegula struggled to communicate that she preferred the woman to leave. They had a prolonged exchange before the cleaning lady eventually exited after realizing the 2024 US Open women's singles runner-up did not want cleaning at that time.

That is one of several humorous anecdotes on the podcast hosted by Pegula, Madison Keys, Jennifer Brady, and Desirae Krawczyk. Another example was when Pegula felt like she was being trolled by customer service in China.