Jessica Pegula has faced some criticism over the years for her on-court demeanour.
The American WTA star has enjoyed several impressive results this year and is the only player in the women’s game to have won titles on all three surfaces.
However, it’s when she loses that Pegula often comes under fire, as fans criticise her for not showing enough passion and energy on the court.
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images
Compared to some of her more ‘expressive’ rivals, such as Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, Pegula rarely shows emotion.
Commenting on Pegula’s level-headed nature, her coach, Mark Knowles, explained why the 31-year-old won’t change the way she acts on court despite fan criticism.
Mark Knowles says being outgoing on court just isn’t Jessica Pegula’s personality
Appearing on the Tennis Channel, Knowles shared his thoughts on fans asking Pegula to show more energy.
“She’s a fiery competitor inside,” he said.
“People always ask her to be a little bit more outward, a little bit more outgoing on the court, but that’s just not her personality.
“But inside, there’s a burning desire to achieve and compete.”
Knowles then shared how he and co-coach Mark Merklein approach practice sessions with Pegula.
“We try to keep it pretty relaxed, myself and Mark Merklein,” he said.
“John [Opfer], the fitness trainer, as well. We’re all pretty relaxed, I mean, we’re intense.
“We have our intense sides because we want to get the best out of Jess [Pegula], but we also have the side where, at the end of the day, it’s a tennis match. We did everything we could as a team.
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images
“You went out there and executed. We couldn’t be more proud. It’s really a treat for us to work with somebody like Jess.”
The Bahamian also spoke about the relationships Pegula has with other players on tour.
“She’s very balanced. She’s got a wonderful husband in Taylor [Gahagen], great family,” said Knowles.
“She has got great friends on tour, you see a couple of them are doing The Player’s Box now, their podcast.”
Pegula recently launched ‘The Player’s Box Podcast’ alongside her fellow Americans, Madison Keys, Jennifer Brady, and Desirae Krawczyk.
During the latest episode of the podcast, Pegula reflected on her efforts at the US Open…
How did Jessica Pegula perform at the US Open?
Having finished as runner-up at the US Open in 2024, Pegula returned this year, looking to go all the way.
She made a brilliant start, reaching the semifinals without dropping a single set.
2025 US Open 1R – Jessica Pegula defeated Mayar Sherif, 6-0, 6-42025 US Open 2R – Jessica Pegula defeated Anna Blinkova, 6-1, 6-32025 US Open 3R – Jessica Pegula defeated Victoria Azarenka, 6-1, 7-52025 US Open 4R – Jessica Pegula defeated Ann Li, 6-1, 6-22025 US Open QF – Jessica Pegula defeated Barbora Krejcikova, 6-3, 6-3
There she met world number one Sabalenka, the woman she lost to in last year’s final.
Playing one of the finest sets of her tennis career, Pegula took the lead 6-4 on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Using all of her Grand Slam experience, Sabalenka fought back in the second, forcing a deciding set.
Unfortunately for the world number seven, despite winning more points than her opponent in the third, she couldn’t get over the line, as Pegula lost to Sabalenka, 6-4, 3-6, 4-6.
Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images
Pegula was disappointed not to have qualified for her second US Open final, but was pleased with her efforts in New York City.
“Pit moment was when I walked off the court on Wednesday [after a tough practice before the US Open] and then we did an escape room and had a couple of drinks,” she said.
“But then it turned into a solid couple of weeks for me, I turned it around somehow.”
Pegula will now turn her attention to the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, where the United States will search for a record 19th title.
Most successful teams in Billie Jean King Cup historyRankNationTitlesMost recent title1USA1820172Czechoslovakia/Czech Republic1120183Australia71974T-4Italy52024T-4Soviet Union/Russia52020-21T-4Spain51998Nations with five or more Billie Jean King Cup titles
She will be joined by Emma Navarro, McCartney Kessler, Hailey Baptiste, and Taylor Townsend in Shenzhen, China.
The United States will play Kazakhstan in the quarterfinals when the tournament begins on Tuesday, September 16.