The Changeover Podcast Jessica Pegula: WTA Friendships, Rivalries with Sabalenka and Gauff, The Occasional Tournament Beer
Jan 10, 2026
Jessica Pegula, a top-ranked WTA player, shares her journey through coaching changes and the complexities of tour life. She discusses her unique collaboration with Bahamian coaches and the subtle pressures of deep runs in Grand Slams. Jessica candidly addresses the challenges of being highly ranked and how she manages expectations while adapting her strategies against players like Sabalenka and Gauff. With a mix of warm camaraderie and light-hearted banter, she even dives into the occasional tournament beer and the joys of player friendships.
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Refresh Coaching To Break Plateaus
- Change coaches or perspectives when you feel stuck and need fresh input to push past a plateau.
- Use multiple coaches to keep feedback fresh and avoid burning out on one voice.
Tactics Strengthen The Mindset
- Tactical improvements bolster mental toughness because more tools increase confidence under pressure.
- Working on specific skills reduced Pegula's frustration and improved her match resilience.
Consistency As Competitive Weapon
- Pegula's reputation is steady, tough, and consistent rather than purely aggressive.
- She pressures opponents with depth and pace to force mistakes rather than hitting nonstop winners.