American tennis star Jessica Pegula recently emphasized the importance of staying in quality hotels during her travels with her husband, Taylor Gahagen. As an ambassador for World of Hyatt, Pegula stressed that ensuring comfortable accommodations is vital for both of them while on the road.
Taylor Gahagen, Pegula’s husband, plays a significant role beyond their personal life, having been involved with the Harborcenter project in Buffalo, New York. With a background in Business Administration, he currently manages Dragos Capital and Agarwood Health. Despite Pegula’s tendency to keep her personal life private, her travel experiences with Gahagen have influenced how she approaches lodging during tournaments.
The Impact of a Difficult Hotel Stay in Europe on Pegula’s Travel Choices
Reflecting on a frustrating hotel experience in Europe, Pegula described how an inadequate bathroom setup made her reconsider hotel standards when traveling with her husband. She insists on accommodations that cater to both their needs, especially due to his height and comfort requirements.
“Being married and having my husband come with me more often, I obviously like if he can come to nicer spots. It makes it more exciting when he can come on the road and feel like we’re experiencing things together instead of just trying to make it through a week where the rooms are small and he’s kind of tall, and he can’t fit in the shower!” —Jessica Pegula, Tennis Player
At 31, Pegula vividly recalled a hotel in England with an impractical shower arrangement that left her feeling uncomfortable and frustrated.
“I remember this place in England where there was nothing around the shower. So, you were just showering with the toilet and the sink, and there was just a drain in the middle. I just didn’t understand it. I was like, ‘I can’t even take a shower here. I’m so grossed out.’ That wasn’t great, so I remember that, specifically. I won’t name and shame, and I don’t write bad reviews, either. I just keep it to myself, or share with friends for fun.” —Jessica Pegula, Tennis Player
Recent Tournament Performances Demonstrate Pegula’s Competitive Form
On the court, Pegula has maintained her high level of play. She advanced to the quarterfinals of the Bad Homburg Open by defeating Katerina Siniakova in straight sets. There, she was scheduled to face Emma Navarro, continuing her strong showing in the 2024 tennis season.
However, her run at the French Open was cut short when she lost to Lois Boisson in the fourth round, marking the end of her campaign in that Grand Slam event.
Pegula Discusses How Tennis Players Cope with Grueling Travel Schedules Through Food
Besides accommodations, Pegula shared insights into how tennis players manage the challenges of constant travel and competition. While some athletes maintain strict diets, many, including Pegula, use food as a crucial source of comfort and energy amid their demanding schedules.
“I think it’s a little bit different in tennis… Like, we’re traveling every single week,” Pegula explained. “It’s really hard to try and be super strict every single week. I do think maybe we cheat a little bit more than other sports. It’s ’cause (food) is, like, the only thing we have!” —Jessica Pegula, Tennis Player
“You have all these things going on, you’re traveling, you’re taken out of your element every single week. Sometimes the thing that keeps you sane is going to a good restaurant,” she added. —Jessica Pegula, Tennis Player
How Pegula’s Experiences Reflect Broader Challenges for Touring Tennis Players
Jessica Pegula’s candid remarks about her hotel travel experience illustrate the ongoing difficulties athletes face when balancing professional demands with personal comfort. Ensuring suitable accommodations, especially when traveling with a partner, can significantly affect their well-being and performance.
Her status as the World of Hyatt ambassador adds weight to her perspective on travel standards, highlighting the need for the hospitality industry to meet the specific needs of athletes. As she continues competing at top levels, including the US Open and other international events, Pegula’s travel preferences and candidness may influence how tennis players prioritize their off-court environments.