Jessica Pegula has revealed her intention to retire from professional tennis by the age of 35, a statement that has stirred significant discussion within the tennis community. During a recent conversation with fellow American player Coco Gauff, Pegula shared her evolving stance on her career duration, indicating a preference to focus on her health and personal goals rather than a fixed timeline. The announcement raises questions about her participation in the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, an event Gauff is eager to compete in but which Pegula may not prioritize.

Challenges of Olympic Qualification and Career Decision-Making

On the Tennis Insider Club podcast, Pegula openly addressed the challenges associated with her professional timeline, affirming,

“I definitely will not be playing at 35 – definitely not.”

She described her approach as taking things year by year, emphasizing performance and wellness over extending her career unnecessarily. Pegula highlighted the competitive barrier to Olympic qualification for American women, stating,

“For an American woman, the cut is kind of high – you have to be top 15 to make it.”

The dynamic between Pegula and Gauff further emerged when Gauff encouraged Pegula to continue playing until after the Los Angeles Games. Pegula recounted this exchange, saying,

“Coco was mad at me because I said, ‘Maybe a couple more years.’ She said, ‘If you’re going to play two more years, you might as well just play another year for the LA Olympics.’”

This interaction reflects the supportive yet competitive nature of their relationship, as well as the differing priorities they each hold regarding their careers.

Family Planning and Personal Priorities Influencing Retirement

Beyond athletic goals, Pegula’s retirement decision is closely tied to her personal life intentions, particularly around family planning. She candidly shared her resolve, saying,

“When I have a kid, I’m done.”

Pegula acknowledged her respect for players who return to the tour after having children but stated,

“I admire the women that do that, but that’s just not for me.”

This highlights her readiness to transition away from professional tennis once she starts a family, diverging from some peers who balance motherhood with competition.

Reflection on Passion and Career Longevity

While the Olympics remain a potential motivator, Pegula emphasized that there are multiple aspirations she wishes to pursue beyond tennis. She reflected on the importance of ending her career positively, explaining,

“There are so many other things I want to do.”

She further noted the significance of maintaining satisfaction with the sport, saying,

“You don’t want to end your tennis career with a bad taste in your mouth – miserable for the last couple of years and then saying, ‘I want nothing to do with tennis.’”

Fellow professional Caroline Garcia echoed Pegula’s sentiments regarding the physical and emotional demands of tennis and the complicated decisions surrounding career length and family. Garcia acknowledged the difficulty of balancing these elements, remarking,

“Sometimes you have to understand maybe it’s time to turn the page and do something else.”

This perspective resonates with Pegula’s approach to her future off the court.

Anticipation Builds Around Pegula’s Final Years on Tour

As Jessica Pegula approaches the latter stages of her tennis career, the community watches closely to see if she will pursue the Olympic dream or prioritize personal milestones instead. Her declaration sets a clear boundary for her professional playing days, while also opening conversations about how athletes manage career transitions amid competing ambitions. Whether she competes in the 2028 Los Angeles Games or concentrates on life beyond tennis, Pegula’s decisions will likely influence discussions on athlete well-being and career sustainability in the sport.