At the 2025 US Open, Jessica Pegula walked off court with another hard-fought victory over Anna Blinkova by 6-1, 6-3, but it wasn’t just her tennis that had people talking. The American, who has firmly established herself as one of the most consistent players on tour, had a lot more to share beyond forehands and backhands.
What stood out most was Pegula’s openness about two very different aspects of her career: the grind of competing under grueling conditions, and the joy of launching a brand-new project with friends. For one of the most consistent performers on the women’s tour, the press room became another arena where she delivered — candid, self-deprecating, and refreshingly real.
She admitted she wasn’t immune to what many players felt in New York’s late-summer heat. “I was cramping today too!” Pegula revealed, when asked how she manages to avoid the problem. Instead of brushing it off as just another physical challenge, she broke down her process. “Cramping isn’t always about the weather — sometimes it’s just your physiological makeup and there’s not much you can do.
Nothing fancy, nothing flashy — just preparation and discipline. And yet, while her diet may sound plain, her willingness to explain it openly made her comments resonate with fans who rarely hear this side of a pro’s routine.“I focus on staying hydrated and eating right, especially the night before. During the day I keep meals super simple, things that are easy to digest. Lots of carbs and calories through liquids.” Her go-to foods? “Honestly, it’s pretty bland — rice, chicken, electrolytes. I also like honey. It’s quick energy, easy on the stomach, and gives you simple carbs.”
