Despite dealing with injury issues over the years, Jessica Pegula has remained one of the most consistent players on the WTA Tour. Ahead of the US Open, where she was runner-up in 2024, Pegula has found some good form during the American hard-court swing, reaching the Cincinnati Open final, where she will face Coco Gauff.
While Pegula continues to attract plenty of attention on the tennis court, her personal life has remained remarkably private. One person who has been alongside her throughout much of that journey is her husband, Taylor Gahagen.
The couple have been together for around a decade, but unlike many high-profile sports couples, they have largely chosen to keep their relationship away from the spotlight.
Jessica Pegula and Taylor Gahagen’s Love Story
Pegula and Gahagen first crossed paths through the Pegula family’s business empire. Taylor began working in corporate marketing for Pegula Sports and Entertainment in 2013, bringing him into the same professional circle as Jessica. The two gradually became closer and reportedly started dating around 2015.
Their relationship remained relatively private, with neither of them making their personal lives a major part of their public image.
By early 2019, however, their relationship had reached another major milestone. Gahagen proposed to Jessica, with fans first noticing her engagement ring while she was competing at a tournament in Prague.
The couple initially planned to get married in October 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to postpone their wedding. Rather than allowing the disruption to derail their plans, Pegula and Gahagen waited another year before finally tying the knot in October 2021.
The wedding took place at the historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. Pegula wore a classic white gown, while Gahagen opted for a blue suit, with close friends and members of Pegula’s tennis circle joining them for the celebration.
Away from tennis and the Pegula family’s business interests, one of the biggest things the couple share is their love for animals. Pegula and Gahagen have three rescue dogs, and their passion for animals eventually led them to establish A Lending Paw, a charity focused on rescuing shelter dogs and training them to become service animals.
While Gahagen is now regularly seen around Pegula’s tennis career, he has a substantial career of his own in corporate development, finance and wealth management.
He holds multiple degrees, including an MBA from Canisius University, and has built a career in the financial services and investment space.
Gahagen serves as a managing partner at Agarwood Wealth, an independent wealth management firm. He is also a managing partner at Dragos Capital, a boutique firm involved in corporate finance and investments.
Taylor Gahagen’s Role in Jessica Pegula’s Tennis Career
Gahagen’s presence also provides another layer of stability around Pegula during tournaments. Her coaching staff, including Mark Knowles, has credited Taylor for providing an emotionally grounded environment that allows Pegula to remain level-headed during high-pressure tournament runs.
Despite maintaining a relatively low profile, Gahagen has also taken on an increasingly visible behind-the-scenes role during Pegula’s tournaments.
Earlier this year, Pegula revealed that her husband had taken charge of the logistics surrounding her players’ box, helping make sure her team arrives on time and everything is organized before her matches.
Jessica Pegula serves to Iga Swiątek during the Cincinnati Open at Lindner Family Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn ImagesAaron Doster-Imagn Images
Gahagen reportedly makes it a point to arrive at the stadium ahead of the rest of the group, ensuring that coaches, fitness trainers and family members are properly seated before Pegula takes the court.
It might seem like a small responsibility, but for Pegula, it addresses one of her biggest matchday pet peeves: people arriving late.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the Tennis section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.