Jessica Pegula, the world No. 4 tennis star, may have faced an unexpected early exit at the 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington, D.C., but her vibrant off-court presence continues to shine. On July 27, 2025, just days after a thrilling three-set loss to Canada’s Leylah Fernandez in the second round, Pegula took to Instagram to share a lively photo dump capturing her time at the tournament. The post, filled with glimpses of her training sessions, casual moments with friends, and a standout snapshot alongside rapper Wale, drew enthusiastic responses from her sister Kelly, fellow American tennis players Frances Tiafoe, Madison Keys, and others, highlighting her ability to find joy amid competition. The images not only showcased Pegula’s resilience but also her knack for connecting with fans and peers through her authentic, down-to-earth charm.
The Citi DC Open, held from July 19-27 at Rock Creek Park, is a marquee event on the ATP and WTA tours, known for its star-studded fields and electric atmosphere. Pegula, the top seed in the women’s draw, entered as a favorite, having won the title in 2019 and boasting a stellar 2025 season with titles in Austin, Charleston, and Bad Homburg. However, Fernandez, ranked No. 36, stunned the American in a 6-3, 1-6, 6-4 upset, showcasing her relentless baseline game and serving efficiency. “In the beginning of the third set, I didn’t do many adjustments,” Pegula admitted post-match, crediting Fernandez’s aggression and her coach’s advice to stay positive. Despite the defeat, Pegula’s focus shifted to the brighter moments of her D.C. experience, as evidenced by her Instagram post, which radiated positivity.
Among the highlights was a photo with Wale, the D.C.-born rapper with a net worth of $4 million, whose presence added a touch of local flair to Pegula’s photodump. The image captured them sharing a relaxed moment, underscoring Pegula’s ties to the city’s vibrant culture. Her sister, Kelly Pegula, featured in the final slide, was seen courtside snapping a photo of Jessica, a nod to their close-knit bond. Kelly’s enthusiastic reaction in the comments, alongside those from tennis stars, amplified the post’s reach. Frances Tiafoe, the hometown hero ranked No. 11, dropped a succinct two-word comment: “Good vibes,” reflecting his signature charisma and support for his compatriot. Madison Keys, the 2025 Australian Open champion, was credited by Jennifer Brady for capturing one of the post’s candid shots, to which Keys responded with playful emojis, adding to the camaraderie.
Pegula’s post also included glimpses of her practice sessions with Danielle Collins, another American star, highlighting the tight-knit nature of the U.S. tennis contingent. “Good vibes only. Jessie Pegula and Danielle Collins having a little practice sesh ahead of the main draw in DC!” read a caption from the tournament’s official account, capturing the duo’s chemistry. The reactions from peers like Tiafoe and Keys echo their history of mutual support, seen in past moments like their celebrations of Coco Gauff’s 2023 Citi DC Open title, where Pegula wrote, “That my girl,” and Tiafoe shared a clip of Gauff’s dance moves, praising her rise to No. 4. This sense of community is a hallmark of American tennis, with players like Pegula, Tiafoe, and Keys frequently uplifting each other on and off the court.
Beyond the tournament, Pegula’s 2025 season has been a testament to her consistency and resilience. With nine WTA titles, including a recent victory over Iga Swiatek at Bad Homburg, she has solidified her status as a top contender. Her runner-up finish at the 2024 US Open and Miami Open final loss to Aryna Sabalenka showcased her ability to compete at the highest levels, though she has yet to claim a Grand Slam. “I didn’t really think about that until I saw the stat,” Pegula said after her Bad Homburg win, noting how her grass-court success boosted her confidence. Her ability to rebound from setbacks, like the D.C. loss, is a trait she shares with peers like Keys, who praised her as “Goat s—” after her Charleston triumph.
As Pegula gears up for the Canadian Open, where she is the defending champion, her D.C. photo dump serves as a reminder of her ability to balance fierce competition with genuine enjoyment. The support from her sister, Tiafoe, Keys, and others underscores the camaraderie that fuels American tennis. Whether posing with Wale or grinding on the practice courts, Pegula’s authenticity resonates, making her a fan favorite and a pivotal figure in the sport’s evolving landscape.
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