Jessica Pegula: Age, Date of Birth & other info
Jessica Pegula was born on February 24, 1994, in Buffalo, New York, USA. She is an American professional tennis player who has made a significant impact on the WTA Tour with her powerful playing style and determined mindset. As of 2025, Pegula is among the top-ranked players in the world and has become a household name in professional tennis.Jessica was born into an influential and affluent family. She is the daughter of Terry Pegula and Kim Pegula, prominent business magnates who own major sports franchises, including the Buffalo Bills (NFL) and the Buffalo Sabres (NHL). Her father, Terry Pegula, is a billionaire businessman primarily involved in natural gas development, real estate, and sports. Her mother, Kim Pegula, originally from Seoul, South Korea, was adopted by an American family at a young age.
- Age: 30 years
- Date of Birth: February 24, 1994
- Birth Place: Buffalo, New York, USA
- Weight: 154 pounds (70 kilograms).
- Height: 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 meters)
- Net Worth: $13 million
Tennis Career Beginnings
Jessica Pegula turned professional in 2009, marking the beginning of her journey in the competitive world of tennis. She started her career by competing in lower-tier events on the ITF Circuit, gradually improving her ranking and gaining valuable experience against seasoned opponents.Her early career was hindered by multiple injuries, which slowed her progress on the WTA Tour. She suffered a knee injury in 2014, requiring surgery and a long rehabilitation period, and later battled additional setbacks. However, Pegula’s resilience and dedication allowed her to bounce back stronger each time.
Breakthrough and Rise in Rankings
Pegula’s first significant breakthrough came in 2019 when she won her maiden WTA singles title at the Washington Open by defeating Camila Giorgi in the final. This victory not only boosted her confidence but also marked her arrival as a rising star on the WTA Tour.
2021: Establishing Herself on the Grand Slam Stage
In 2021, Jessica Pegula made headlines by reaching the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, where she defeated higher-ranked players, including Elina Svitolina, before losing to Jennifer Brady. This performance significantly improved her world ranking and established her as a player capable of competing at the highest level.
2022: Reaching the Elite
Jessica’s performance in 2022 was even more impressive. She consistently made deep runs in Grand Slam tournaments and WTA 1000 events, solidifying her position among the top-ranked players in the world. Some of her most notable achievements in 2022 included:
- Quarterfinalist at the Australian Open, French Open, and US Open
- Winning her first WTA 1000 title at the Guadalajara Open, defeating Maria Sakkari in the final
- Reaching the French Open doubles final alongside Coco Gauff
- Achieving a career-high ranking of world No. 3 in singles
2023: Becoming World No. 1 in Doubles
In 2023, Jessica Pegula continued to dominate both singles and doubles. She formed a successful doubles partnership with Coco Gauff, and the duo went on to claim several significant titles. Their consistent performance on the WTA Tour helped them attain the prestigious world No. 1 ranking in doubles in September 2023.
2024-2025: First Grand Slam Final Appearance
Pegula’s hard work paid off in 2024, when she reached her first Grand Slam final at the US Open. This was a defining moment in her career, as she battled through a tough draw and even defeated world No. 1 Iga Świątek in the semifinals. Although she finished as the runner-up, her remarkable performance cemented her status as a top-tier player.
Playing Style and Strengths
Jessica Pegula is known for her aggressive baseline play, powerful groundstrokes, and excellent shot selection. Her game is built around:
- Strong two-handed backhand: One of the most reliable shots in her arsenal
- Solid mental composure: Her ability to stay focused in high-pressure moments
- Effective return game: She consistently breaks her opponents’ serves with deep, well-placed returns
- Versatility in singles and doubles: Excelling in both disciplines has contributed to her success
Over the years, Pegula has worked with various coaches, including David Witt, Mark Knowles, and Mark Merklein, to refine her technique and strategy.
Personal Life and Business Ventures
Despite her demanding tennis career, Jessica has successfully ventured into business and philanthropy.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
In 2017, she launched a skincare line called Ready 24, which focuses on skincare products designed for athletes and individuals with active lifestyles. She is also involved in other business ventures, including Healthy Scratch, a health-conscious restaurant in Buffalo that she co-founded with her sister Kelly.
Marriage and Personal Interests
Jessica Pegula married Taylor Gahagen in October 2021. Gahagen is a corporate executive and an animal welfare advocate. The couple shares a passion for animal rescue efforts and is actively involved in philanthropic initiatives supporting animals in need.
Family and Wealth
The Pegula Family’s Business Empire
The Pegula family is one of the wealthiest in the United States. Terry Pegula, Jessica’s father, has an estimated net worth of $7 billion as of 2025, largely due to his success in the energy and sports industries. He and Kim Pegula own multiple sports franchises, including:
- Buffalo Bills (NFL)
- Buffalo Sabres (NHL)
- Rochester Americans (AHL)
- Buffalo Bandits (NLL)
Jessica Pegula’s Net Worth
Despite her family’s immense wealth, Jessica Pegula has earned her own fortune through tennis prize money, endorsements, and business ventures. As of 2025, her estimated net worth is $10 million, which she accumulated from:
- Career prize earnings of over $15 million
- Sponsorships with brands like Adidas, Yonex, and Ready 24
- Income from her business ventures
Her financial success is a testament to her hard work and dedication to her career rather than solely relying on her family’s wealth.
Philanthropy and Charity Work
Jessica Pegula is deeply involved in philanthropic activities. She and her family contribute to various charities and community development projects, particularly in Buffalo, New York. Some notable initiatives include:
- Buffalo Bills Foundation: Supports health, youth engagement, and community development
- Animal welfare projects: Funding shelters and rescue organizations
- Scholarships and educational programs: Helping young athletes and students
Jessica’s charitable efforts reflect her commitment to giving back to the community and using her platform for positive change.
Conclusion
Jessica Pegula’s journey from an aspiring young tennis player to one of the top-ranked athletes in the world is truly inspiring. Despite coming from an immensely wealthy family, she has worked tirelessly to establish her own legacy in the sport. With multiple Grand Slam quarterfinals, a WTA 1000 title, and a world No. 1 ranking in doubles, she continues to shine on the professional circuit.Beyond tennis, Pegula’s business ventures, philanthropy, and commitment to animal welfare showcase her multifaceted personality. With a bright future ahead, she remains one of the most exciting and influential figures in contemporary women’s tennis.
