Jessica Pegula emerged late on the WTA Tour, but she has established herself as one of the best and most consistent players in the women's game.
The American being among the WTA's top players and from a country with one of the biggest tennis audiences in the world means her life on and off the court attracts attention. This article provides the most interesting facts about her.
Pegula was born on February 24th, 1994, in Buffalo, New York, US. She is 170 cm tall (5ft 7 in) and weighs approximately 70 kg. Pegula resides in Boca Raton, Florida, US.
When did Jessica Pegula start playing tennis?
Pegula began playing tennis at age 7 after being introduced to the sport by her family.
How did Jessica Pegula's parents become wealthy?
Pegula is the daughter of Terry and Kim Pegula. Terry became a billionaire after successfully starting East Resources, a natural gas drilling company. He also owns the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League and, with a consortium of private equity firms and athletes, the Buffalo Bills, who compete in the National Football League.
Kim served as president of the holding company that managed the Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bills until she unexpectedly suffered a cardiac arrest in 2022, which also led to a brain injury. Kim survived, but continues to undergo long-term physical and occupational therapy.
Does Jessica Pegula have any siblings?
The WTA star has four siblings: sisters Laura and Kelly, and brothers Matthew and Michael. Pegula credits Kelly with saving their mother's life when she went into cardiac arrest because she had recently taken CPR classes when it happened.
Who was Jessica Pegula's idol?
Pegula idolized Martina Hingis, who won five Grand Slam singles titles as a teenager. The Swiss also claimed 13 women's doubles and seven mixed doubles major titles.
Is Jessica Pegula married?
Yes, Pegula has been married to Taylor Gahagen since October 2021. They are believed to have started their relationship in 2015.
Has Jessica Pegula won a Grand Slam?
Although Pegula has enjoyed one of the most impressive late-career surges in tennis, having never won a Grand Slam main draw match until the 2020 US Open, she is still waiting for her first major title. Pegula reached her sole Grand Slam final at the 2024 US Open, a run that included a quarterfinal win against Iga Swiatek.
She was beaten 5-7, 5-7 by Aryna Sabalenka in a high-quality final.
What is Jessica Pegula's highest ranking?
On October 24th, 2022, Pegula became the world No. 3 for the first time, and she has held that position multiple times since. An opportunity arose for her to become No. 2 during the 2025 clay-court season, but underwhelming results and
Coco Gauff winning the 2025 Roland Garros title prevented her from achieving that.
How many titles has Jessica Pegula won?
Pegula is a nine-time WTA titlist. The first of them came at the 2019 Citi Open in Washington when she defeated Camila Giorgi in the final. She has won three WTA 1000 crowns at the 2022 Guadalajara Open and the 2023 and 2024 Canadian Opens. Her biggest final outside Grand Slam level was at the 2022 WTA Finals, but Iga Swiatek thrashed her 1-6, 0-6.
What is Jessica Pegula's favorite shot?
Pegula's favorite shot to hit is the backhand down the line. Her backhand has been cited by many, including tennis legends, as one of the best in the world.
What is Jessica Pegula's favorite tournament?
The US Open is Pegula's favorite tournament. It is a Grand Slam played in the state where Pegula was born, and she has reached the final, creating the ideal combination for her to enjoy it.
Has Jessica Pegula represented the USA?
Pegula played for Team USA in the 2020 and 2024 Summer Olympics. Unfortunately, she could not win a medal despite featuring in the women's singles and doubles at both tournaments. There were high hopes for her and Gauff in 2024 since they had played doubles many times together, but it ended in heartbreak.
The US Open runner-up has also made multiple appearances in the Billie Jean King Cup. Her best result with Team USA at that event was reaching the 2019 quarterfinal.
What are Jessica Pegula's hobbies?
Pegula is a keen golfer and has posted social media videos of herself playing the sport. She also enjoys playing and watching sports and is interested in design.
What is Jessica Pegula's company?
In 2017, Pegula founded Ready 24, a skincare company. The American was inspired to do that after experiencing her skin breaking up due to the travel and stress involved with professional tennis.
What is Jessica Pegula's charity?
Pegula and her husband run a charity called A Lending Paw. Its mission is to rescue, train, and provide service dogs to people in need. Dogs are one of Pegula's biggest passions, and she has posted tributes to dogs she owned that passed away.