When Jessica Pegula stepped onto the court at Flushing Meadows in September for the U.S. Open, she was one among many hopefuls, albeit never having progressed past a quarterfinal in any Grand Slam. Yet, this time, destiny had a different plan for her. Pegula’s run to the final was not just a personal milestone but a transformative chapter in her career, punctuated by her subsequent return to New York for an exhibition match at the iconic Madison Square Garden.
The Buffalo native’s connection with New York has always been special, magnified by her family’s ownership of major sports franchises and her previous performances. But her recent U.S. Open journey—where she faced off against the world’s No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka—has added a new layer to her bond with the city.
From Flushing Meadows to The Garden Cup
This week, Jessica Pegula revisits New York, not just as a participant but as a star attraction at The Garden Cup, an exhibition event held at Madison Square Garden. Her matchup against Emma Navarro, another American standout who made it to the U.S. Open semifinals, is highly anticipated. Alongside them, tennis phenom Carlos Alcaraz will grace the court against American Ben Shelton, ensuring a night of high-caliber tennis.
Reflecting on her decision to participate, Pegula shared, “When they were like, ‘You get to play in MSG,’ I was like, ‘Ooh, that’s sick.’ It’s something that’s special to be able to do it in New York City during Christmastime. It’s really cool against another American. There are so many factors I feel like that made me want to say yes.”
A Needed Break and a Strong Comeback
Despite her success, Pegula has had to manage her schedule carefully, especially given a knee issue that emerged after her participation in the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia. After a three-week break and about two weeks of practice, she felt prepared to return to the court. “It feels like I was just here,” she said, recalling the whirl of emotions and the hectic pace of the U.S. Open that still linger in her memory upon returning to the city.
Her appearance at a New York Rangers game further underscored her growing celebrity status, as she was met with loud cheers from the crowd—a testament to her increased recognition and support from New Yorkers and sports fans alike.
Connecting With Home
Jessica’s roots in Western New York, her familial connections to the sports world, and her own burgeoning tennis career create a unique narrative that resonates deeply with local fans. “I think it’s so fun to play here and being an American. There’s a lot of Bills, a lot of Sabres fans that are always at the U.S. Open, whether they live here or they come to watch me,” Pegula expressed. This sentiment highlights the blend of personal achievement and community support that defines her career.