As Jessica Pegula prepares for her quarterfinal match at the 2025 Bad Homburg Open, the American tennis star has shed light on the less glamorous aspects of life on the tennis circuit. In a candid interview, she shared some of her most uncomfortable travel experiences, including a particularly puzzling hotel bathroom setup during a tournament in England.
Currently competing at the WTA 500 event in Bad Homburg, Pegula, ranked World No. 3, recently secured a victory over Kateřina Siniaková in the Round of 16. She is now set to face fifth seed Emma Navarro in a highly anticipated quarterfinal rematch, a continuation of their rivalry that began with their encounter at the 2024 Miami Open, where Pegula triumphed.
Reflecting on her travel experiences, Pegula recounted an unforgettable stay in England where the bathroom setup left her perplexed. “I remember this place in England where there was nothing around the shower. It felt bizarre to be showering in such close proximity to the toilet and sink,” she explained. Despite the discomfort, she opted not to publicly name the hotel, stating, “I don’t write bad reviews; I just keep it to myself, or share with friends for fun.”
In discussing her travel experiences with her husband, Taylor Gahagen, Pegula emphasized how her priorities have shifted since marriage. Her husband often accompanies her, which has heightened her desire for more comfortable accommodations. “Having him come with me makes it more exciting when we can experience things together rather than just making it through a week in cramped spaces,” she noted.
As she gears up for the critical match against Navarro, both players are looking to secure a place in the semifinals against either third seed Mirra Andreeva or Linda Nosková. The anticipation surrounding their clash highlights the excitement of women’s tennis, where these top-level players continue to rise and compete fiercely.
With Pegula’s ability to balance the highs and lows of her career, fans can look forward to her resilience on and off the court as she faces Navarro in a battle for the semifinals.