Jessica Pegula to play in US Open tennis final. What to know about the Buffalo native

Buffalo Bills and Sabres fans know the Pegula name well as the family who saved two beloved sports franchises and kept them in western New York.

While she comes from a wealthy background, she’s risen to the top of the tennis world on her own merits.

Who are Jessica Pegula’s parents?
Jessica Pegula, daughter of Kim and Terry Pegula, has been forging her own identity on the tennis court.

Now Jessica Pegula is poised to play in the biggest match of her career when she takes.

Now No. 6 seed Jessica Pegula is poised to play in the biggest match of her career when she faces No. 2 seed Aryna Sabalenka in the women’s final of the U.S. Open.

If she wins, it would be the 30-year-old’s first Grand Slam title.

How good is Jessica Pegula?
Pegula is the 6th-ranked singles player and 44th-ranked doubles player in women’s tennis. But she’s been ranked as high as No. 3 and No. 1 in singles and doubles, respectively.

She’s had an up-and-down 2024. She won titles at the Berlin Ladies Open and Canadian Open, and made it to semifinals in singles, and finals in doubles at the San Diego Open. But Jessica Pegula endured second round exits at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. At the Paris Olympics, Jessica Pegula lost in the second round in singles and doubles competition.

She’s been nursing neck and back injuries this year that forced her to withdraw from three tournaments, including the French Open.

Where is Jessica Pegula from?
Jessica Pegula was born in Buffalo, New York, on Feb. 24, 1994. She has four siblings, including two from her father’s previous marriage.

Jessica Pegula married Taylor Gahagen in October 2021 on the famous Biltmore Estate. The couple lives in Boca Raton, Florida.

Did Jessica Pegula compete in the Olympics?
Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula (USA) lost to Karolina Muchova and Linda Noskova (Czech Republic) in three sets in the second round of women’s doubles competition at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

That ended Pegula’s Olympic run as she also lost her second-round singles match.

Does Jessica Pegula have outside interests?
Jessica Pegula and Taylor Gahagen are both dog lovers and have a foundation called A Lending Paw, which teaches rescue dogs to be service animals.

Taylor also serves as vice president of Jessica’s skincare company, Ready 24, that markets beauty products for people with active lifestyles.

Bill Wolcott is a 30-year journalist who has spent the last 18 years working for the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.