Jessica Pegula has become one of the most admired and respected players on the WTA Tour — but her calm, composed presence wasn’t always appreciated when she was younger. In a candid appearance on Caroline Garcia’s Tennis Insider Club podcast, the American revealed that many people in her early life — including coaches and even her parents — constantly criticized her attitude, believing it made her look like she didn’t care. Tennis World USA
Pegula, now 31 and among the top players in the world, opened up about how those early comments affected her confidence. She explained that throughout her teenage years, she kept hearing that she didn’t act like a typical competitive athlete — that she wasn’t fired up enough, didn’t show emotion, and wasn’t displaying the kind of reactions people expected from someone striving to succeed. PFSN
“It’s funny because when I was growing up, my parents or my coaches at the time never really liked my attitude. They’d say you look like you don’t care,” Pegula recalled. She admitted that she even tried forcing herself to seem more animated and energetic — but it just didn’t come naturally. The result? She developed a complex about her own personality, trying to be someone she wasn’t. Tennis World USA
“At the time I thought, Okay, maybe I should try to act fired up, but I couldn’t do it. I just couldn’t fake it,” she said, noting how exhausting and unnatural it felt. Rather than help her performance, trying to imitate emotional outbursts only depleted her energy and felt fake to who she truly was. News Minimalist
The twist in Pegula’s story — and what makes it so inspiring — is how perceptions changed over time. What was once criticized now gets praised. Fans, commentators, and even fellow players now regularly compliment her for having a calm, cool presence on court, valuing it as a sign of focus and emotional control. That very demeanor that drew criticism in her youth has become part of her brand — a hallmark of professionalism and poise under pressure. PFSN
Pegula laughed about the irony: while some people told her she looked like she didn’t care, others now tell her they love how calm and collected she is. From being pressured to show “more emotion,” she’s now seen as the epitome of composed strength — a mindset that clearly works for her at the highest levels of competition. Tennis World USA
The American also emphasized the broader lesson she’s learned: stay true to yourself. Whether you’re a teenager figuring out your personality or a pro athlete facing rivals in packed arenas, authenticity matters. “Stand by this to my core. Always stay true to yourself, trust yourself, there’s nobody better,” she said, reinforcing the powerful message that helped shape her journey. PFSN
Jessica Pegula’s transformation from a misunderstood youth to a respected leader on tour isn’t just a sports story — it’s a universal one about self-acceptance, resilience, and turning perceived weaknesses into unshakeable strengths. Whether you’re a tennis fan or not, her journey inspires anyone who’s ever been told they’re “not enough” — showing that embracing who you truly are can become your biggest advantage.
