As the grass courts of Wimbledon prepare to host the world’s top tennis talent starting June 30, 2025, Jessica Pegula, the World No. 3 and one of America’s brightest tennis stars, is making headlines not just for her powerful baseline game but for her unconventional approach to tournament life. The 31-year-old, fresh off a strong showing at the Bad Homburg Open, has revealed why she’s ditching the traditional player hotels in favor of her own accommodations—a decision she believes could be the key to unlocking her first Grand Slam title. “Oh my gosh, being away from everyone else is a massive thing for me,” Pegula declared, shedding light on a choice that’s as strategic as it is personal.
Pegula, the daughter of billionaire parents Terry and Kim Pegula, owners of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, has long been a standout on the WTA Tour, with eight singles titles and a career-high ranking of No. 3. Her journey to the top hasn’t been without challenges, from early-career injuries to the mental toll of a grueling 11-month season. Now, as she eyes a deep run at Wimbledon—where her best result was a 2023 quarterfinal appearance—she’s prioritizing mental clarity and comfort off the court. “When you’re staying at a tournament hotel, I feel like it’s so mentally draining,” she explained. “It’s not like anyone is a problem. But if you were going to work with someone, you wouldn’t necessarily want to eat breakfast with them, practice with them, be in the gym, have lunch, go to the locker room and the physio room with them, and then see them in all the elevators and the hallways.”
This constant proximity to competitors, Pegula argues, creates an exhausting environment. “I don’t think people realize that shouldn’t happen, not with the people you’re working and competing with every single week. We play pretty much every week together, and so, all of that together, you’re ready to lose it!” Her decision to stay at a separate hotel, often a luxurious property like the Park Hyatt, reflects her need for personal space to recharge. As a World of Hyatt ambassador, Pegula has embraced this partnership to curate stays that enhance her performance. “There is no better motivation than having a nice hotel,” she said, recalling her stay near the Champs-Élysées during Roland Garros. “You’re in a better mood. You sleep better, you wake up better, you’re eating better. Everything.”
Pegula’s focus on quality accommodations stems from her 15 years on tour, where she’s learned the importance of small details—like a good pillow or a strong breakfast menu—in maintaining peak performance. “Maybe it is getting older, but having a good bed and a good pillow is really important,” she noted, laughing about how her priorities have shifted since her early 20s. Her partnership with Hyatt allows her to access amenities like in-room spa treatments and world-class dining, which she credits with boosting her mood and energy. “I’m a big skincare person, so being able to fit those little things in are always nice,” she added, highlighting how these comforts help her stay focused during high-stakes tournaments.
The decision isn’t without trade-offs. Staying away from the player hotel often means a longer commute to the courts, but Pegula is willing to sacrifice the convenience for peace of mind. “Convenience is a huge part of it, and I don’t know if that’s just me being American, but convenience is huge,” she said with a chuckle, noting her preference for city-center locations that offer a break from the tennis bubble. This strategy didn’t yield the desired result at Roland Garros, where she fell in the fourth round to Lois Boisson, but Pegula remains confident it will pay dividends at Wimbledon, where she’s determined to surpass her 2023 quarterfinal run.
Pegula’s approach has sparked conversations about the mental demands of professional tennis. The WTA season, with its near-constant travel, leaves little room for downtime, and Pegula’s candidness about the toll of tournament hotels resonates with many players. Her peers, including Taylor Fritz and Victoria Azarenka, have echoed her frustrations about European hotel quirks, from locked air conditioning to tiny pillows. Yet, Pegula’s solution—backed by her financial independence and savvy partnerships—sets her apart. “I look forward to traveling more if the accommodations are nice. It makes me more excited to travel,” she said, emphasizing how a comfortable stay can transform the grueling tour into an adventure.
As Pegula prepares for Wimbledon, her focus on mental well-being and strategic recovery could give her an edge in a fiercely competitive field. With a favorable draw and a grass-court game honed by recent wins, including titles at the 2025 Charleston and ATX Opens, she’s poised to make a statement. “I’m not saying you’re going to win every single match, but when you go out on court and do everything you need to do, I think having a nice accommodation, a nice stay definitely makes everything easier,” she said. For Pegula, the path to Wimbledon glory may well begin with a good night’s sleep—far from the crowded hallways of the player hotel.
Leave a Reply