When you’re a top tennis player traveling the globe 11 months of the year, friendships aren’t just nice to have — they’re survival essentials. Between endless airports, lonely hotel rooms, and the pressure cooker of Grand Slams, even billionaire heiresses like Jessica Pegula need a trusted circle. And while many stars keep their friendships hush-hush, Pegula’s bond with fellow players has become one of the tennis world’s juiciest side stories. So, who exactly makes the cut into her VIP friend group?
First up, there’s Coco Gauff. The Pegula–Gauff partnership has become one of tennis’s most recognizable doubles duos, and their friendship runs far deeper than quick fist bumps on court. Fans love watching their playful banter, synchronized celebrations, and supportive energy. Behind the scenes, Pegula has admitted she sees Gauff as more than just a teammate — she’s a little sister figure, someone she guides while also learning from. It’s a mix of mentorship and genuine friendship that fans can’t get enough of.
But Gauff isn’t the only one in Pegula’s trusted circle. Madison Keys, another American powerhouse, often pops up in her orbit. The two share laughs, workouts, and off-court moments that scream #FriendshipGoals. With Keys’ dry humor and Pegula’s calm demeanor, it’s a duo that balances perfectly — one brings the sass, the other the grounding.
Then there’s her quiet but warm bond with players like Iga Świątek and Ons Jabeur. Though they may be fierce rivals when the match is live, Pegula’s respect and openness has earned her genuine friendships across the tour. In fact, her ability to balance competition with camaraderie is one reason she’s such a well-liked presence in locker rooms.
And let’s not forget the occasional celebrity connection. Thanks to her billionaire sports pedigree, Pegula’s network stretches into NFL, NHL, and even entertainment circles. But interestingly, she’s never been one to flaunt high-profile friendships. Instead, she keeps her circle small, authentic, and mostly tennis-rooted — the kind of friends who understand what it means to lose a three-setter in 35-degree heat, or celebrate a first-round win in front of 50 people on Court 17.
The truth is, Pegula’s friendships are her anchor. They keep her grounded in a world where she could easily drift into heiress mode, hopping from yacht to yacht. Instead, she chooses laughter-filled practice sessions, doubles partnerships that feel like sleepovers, and heartfelt off-court bonds.
So yes, Jessica Pegula has the money, the fame, and the luxury lifestyle. But her most valuable assets? The friends who stick with her through wins, losses, and long-haul flights. And in the brutal world of professional tennis, that’s the secret weapon that keeps her smiling.
