Jessica Pegula’s Generous Gesture to Fellow Players After ATX Open Victory

AUSTIN, Texas — Jessica Pegula made headlines not only for her victory at the 2025 WTA ATX Open but also for a remarkable act of generosity towards her fellow competitors. After winning the singles title with a score of 7-5, 6-2 against McCartney Kessler, Pegula extended an invitation to doubles finalists Anna Blinkova and Yue Yuan to join her on a private jet to Indian Wells, California.

The doubles final saw Blinkova and Yuan defeat Kessler and Shuai Zhang, but the former pair faced a logistical challenge: they lacked transportation to Los Angeles following the tournament. Pegula, already planning to head to Indian Wells for the upcoming tournament set to begin on March 5, suggested they travel together. “I was going anyway, so I figured why not?” Pegula said after her win.

Yuan expressed her gratitude on Chinese social media platform Weibo, reflecting on how she would have otherwise needed to endure a nine-hour drive to California. “Thank you so much,” she wrote. “Otherwise, we would have all been on the road for at least nine hours tomorrow.” Yuan’s excitement was palpable, as she emphasized her appreciation for Pegula’s kindness.

“How can there be such a beautiful lady?” she added, highlighting Pegula’s selflessness. The complimentary jet trip eliminated what could have been a strenuous journey for Yuan and Blinkova.

Fans and fellow players quickly took to social media to express their admiration for Pegula’s gesture. One user remarked, “She didn’t have to do that so give her some credit,” while another praised, “This is how you should use privilege to do something good.” Comments from other players echoed this sentiment, with many noting the positive impact of Pegula’s action on the sport’s community.

Pegula’s victory at the ATX Open not only marked her seventh career title but also continued to establish her presence on the WTA Tour. Ranked No. 4 globally, her performance at the tournament drew considerable attention, despite it being a 250 level event. “I really like Austin,” she remarked post-match. “It feels great to win here.”

With the BNP Paribas Open approaching, Pegula’s generosity has further endeared her to fans and participants alike, showcasing the spirit of camaraderie within tennis. As the players transitioned from Texas to California, many looked forward to the challenges that await at Indian Wells, but they did so with a sense of unity thanks to Pegula’s thoughtful gesture.

The main draw for the Indian Wells tournament will kick off on March 5, with Pegula aiming for a strong performance in a competition where she has previously struggled. Her best result came in 2021 when she reached the quarter-finals; however, she faced early exits in recent years. With her momentum from the ATX Open, Pegula is focused on turning that history around.