“I have always appreciated that my mother never really saw them as barriers until she broke them. I think she always went after her goals and dreams and didn't question it, not realizing she was helping pave the way for others.”

American professional tennis player

Jessica Pegula is an American professional tennis player. She has been a leading figure on the WTA Tour, reaching a career-high singles ranking of world No. 3 in October 2022 and doubles ranking of world No. 1 in September 2023. Pegula has won 11 singles titles and seven doubles titles on the tour, including four WTA 1000 singles titles and two in doubles. She was runner-up at the 2024 US Open and at the 2023 WTA Finals, results that underline her place among the sport’s top players.