Elite athlete and heir to one of America’s biggest fortunes, Jessica Pegula has carved out her own space in the world of pro tennis. Beyond the court, her story unfolds with surprising depth, mixing grit, fame and a touch of glamour.
Born into a big family, the tennis star has defied the labels that come with privilege. With a steady game and relentless work ethic, she has earned her place among the WTA’s top competitors, turning quiet resilience into her trademark.
Still, there’s more to her than forehands and rankings. From her private love life to the coach who’s helped shape her rise, each piece of her world adds to a profile that’s as intriguing as it is unconventional.
How old is Jessica Pegula?
Born on February 24, 1994, in Buffalo, New York, Jessica Pegula is 31 years old as of June 2025. She turned professional in 2009 at the age of 15, steadily climbing the ranks to become one of the top players in women’s tennis.
Jessica Pegula celebrates winning match point against Cristina Bucsa of Spain in the Women’s Singles second round match during day four of The Championships Wimbledon 2023. (Source: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
How tall is Jessica Pegula?
Jessica Pegula stands at 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 meters) tall. Her height contributes to her agility and powerful baseline play, allowing her to compete effectively against a diverse range of opponents on the WTA Tour.
Is Jessica Pegula single?
No, Jessica Pegula is married. She tied the knot with Taylor Gahagen in 2021. He is a senior investment analyst who has worked with Pegula Sports and Entertainment, the management company owned by Jessica’s parents.
Jessica Pegula’s family
Jessica Pegula is the daughter of Terry and Kim Pegula, prominent figures in the sports industry. Terry Pegula is a billionaire businessman who owns the Buffalo Bills (NFL) and the Buffalo Sabres (NHL).
Kim Pegula, born in Seoul, South Korea, and adopted by an American family, is the president of both teams, making her one of the most powerful women in professional sports.
Despite her family’s wealth, Jessica has worked diligently to establish her own identity in the tennis world, often emphasizing her commitment to hard work and independence.
Who is the coach of Jessica Pegula?
As of 2024, Jessica Pegula is coached by Mark Knowles and Mark Merklein, both former professional tennis players. This coaching duo brought a fresh perspective to Pegula’s game, contributing to her continued success on the tour.
Jessica Pegula celebrates match point against Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic during their Women’s Singles Semifinal match on Day Eleven of the 2024 US Open. (Source: Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
This coaching setup has paid off. Under their guidance, she has shown increased composure in key matches and better court versatility, peaking with her WTA Finals run in 2023 and a deep Grand Slam campaign in 2024.
Jessica Pegula’s career highlights
- WTA Finals Champion (2023, Guadalajara – Doubles): Partnering with Coco Gauff, Pegula clinched her first WTA Finals title, marking a major breakthrough on the year-end stage and cementing their status as one of the top doubles teams globally.
- French Open Finalist (2022, Doubles): Pegula and Gauff reached the final at Roland Garros, showcasing her adaptability on clay and her growing synergy with her doubles partner. It was her first Grand Slam final appearance in any discipline.
- World No. 3 in Singles (October 2022): A testament to her consistent play throughout the season, including quarterfinal runs at multiple Grand Slams. Pegula reached her career-high singles ranking, becoming the highest-ranked American woman at the time.
- World No. 1 in Doubles (September 2023): By September 2023, she achieved the top spot in the WTA doubles rankings—proof of her dual-threat status on the tour. The achievement highlighted her versatility and endurance.
- 2024 US Open Singles Finalist: Her deepest run in a Grand Slam singles event. Pegula’s strong performance at Flushing Meadows silenced doubts about her ability to break through in the biggest tournaments.
- 8 WTA Singles Titles: These include wins in notable events like the WTA 1000 in Guadalajara (2022), reflecting her growing dominance and tactical maturity on hard courts.
- 7 WTA Doubles Titles: Collected alongside various partners, most prominently Coco Gauff. Her consistency in doubles has turned her into a staple figure in both draws week after week.
