In the high-stakes world of professional tennis, Jessica Pegula has carved out a reputation as one of the WTA Tour’s most consistent and resilient players. Born on February 24, 1994, in Buffalo, New York, the 31-year-old American has risen to a career-high singles ranking of world No. 3 and claimed the No. 1 spot in doubles, showcasing her versatility and tenacity on the court. With eight singles titles, seven doubles titles, and a net worth bolstered by her family’s billion-dollar sports empire, Pegula’s journey is one of grit, late-blooming success, and quiet determination.
Early Life and Tennis Beginnings
Jessica Pegula grew up in a household synonymous with sports. Her parents, Terry and Kim Pegula, own the NFL’s Buffalo Bills and the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres, with a family net worth exceeding $7 billion. Despite this privileged background, Pegula’s path to tennis stardom was anything but entitled. Introduced to the sport at age seven, she honed her skills in Wexford, Pennsylvania, and later Boca Raton, Florida, where she now resides. Of part-Korean descent through her mother, who was born in Seoul and adopted at age five, Pegula’s diverse heritage adds depth to her all-American story.
Pegula turned professional in 2009 but initially struggled to break through, oscillating between the 100th and 200th spots in the WTA rankings. Her early career was marked by persistence, competing on the ITF Circuit and earning a wildcard into the 2011 US Open doubles draw alongside Taylor Townsend. By 2012, she qualified for her first Grand Slam singles main draw at the US Open, defeating Shuko Aoyama and Melanie Oudin en route but falling to Dominika Cibulková in the second round.
Rise to Prominence
Pegula’s breakthrough came later than most, earning her the label of a “late bloomer.” Her first WTA singles final arrived in 2018 at the Tournoi de Québec, where she fell to Pauline Parmentier. The following year, she cracked the top 100 and claimed her maiden title at the 2019 Washington Open, defeating Camila Giorgi. This victory propelled her to a career-high No. 55 and marked her arrival as a serious contender.
The 2021 season was a turning point. Pegula reached the Australian Open quarterfinals, her first of seven major quarterfinal appearances across all four Grand Slams. Her aggressive baseline game, characterized by pinpoint accuracy and mental toughness, began to shine. In 2022, she won her first WTA 1000 title in Guadalajara and reached the French Open doubles final with Coco Gauff. By October 2022, she hit world No. 3 in singles, and in September 2023, she became the world’s top-ranked doubles player alongside Gauff.
2024: A Career-Defining Year
Pegula’s 2024 season cemented her as a Grand Slam contender. She reached her first major final at the US Open, defeating world No. 1 Iga Swiatek and Karolina Muchova before falling to Aryna Sabalenka in a tight 7-5, 7-5 battle. Earlier in the year, she defended her Canadian Open title in Toronto, beating Amanda Anisimova, and won the Berlin Ladies Open against Anna Kalinskaya. Despite a second-round exit at Wimbledon and injury setbacks, including a withdrawal from the WTA Finals due to a knee issue, Pegula’s 2024 campaign showcased her ability to compete with the elite.
In 2025, Pegula continued her momentum, capturing titles in Charleston and Austin, bringing her career singles title count to eight. Her 25-match win tally in 2025, including a comeback victory over Sofia Kenin in Charleston (6-3, 7-5 after trailing 1-5 in the second set), underscores her relentless drive. She returned to her career-high No. 3 ranking, overtaking Gauff as America’s top player.
Playing Style and Coaching
An aggressive baseliner, Pegula is known for her deceptive power and tactical precision. “I don’t hit as hard as people think, but I can paint the lines,” she once said, highlighting her ability to outmaneuver opponents. Her two-handed backhand and mental composure under pressure make her a formidable force. Pegula parted ways with longtime coach David Witt in early 2024 after a second-round Australian Open loss, a move that surprised Witt. She now works with Mark Knowles, a former doubles world No. 1, and Mark Merklein, both of whom have helped refine her game.
Pegula wields a Yonex Ezone 98 racquet, reportedly customized to her specifications, paired with Luxilon Alu Power strings. Her equipment choices reflect her preference for control over raw power, aligning with her strategic approach.
Personal Life and Ventures
Off the court, Pegula keeps a low profile. She married Taylor Gahagen, a former employee of Pegula Sports and Entertainment, in October 2021. Gahagen, now a managing partner at Dragos Capital and Agarwood Wealth, is vice president of Pegula’s skincare company, Ready 24, and supports her charitable foundation, A Lending Paw, which connects people with rescued service animals. Pegula and her sister Kelly also own The Healthy Scratch, a health-focused café in Buffalo.
Despite her family’s wealth, Pegula has faced scrutiny about her privileged background, once clapping back at rumors of a lavish lifestyle involving butlers and private planes. Her career earnings, exceeding $16.9 million, are a testament to her hard-earned success, though her net worth, estimated at $10 million, is augmented by endorsements and family ties.
Legacy and What’s Next
With 472 career wins (64.22% win rate) and 14 total WTA titles, Pegula’s consistency is unmatched. Posts on X have lauded her as “the steadiest player on tour,” with a 51-0 record after winning the first set in 2023. Her 2025 season, already boasting two titles and a return to No. 3, signals her hunger for a maiden Grand Slam. As she prepares for the grass-court season, Pegula’s blend of resilience, tactical acumen, and quiet professionalism makes her a fan favorite and a force to watch.
Sources: WTA Tennis, ESPN, Forbes, Sportskeeda, Tennis Majors, X posts