Jessica Pegula is making waves at the 2025 Cincinnati Open, advancing to the third round while simultaneously addressing questions about her future in professional tennis. The world No. 4, fresh off a straight-sets win against Australia’s Kimberly Birrell, has made it clear that her career won’t stretch into her late thirties.
Back to winning form in Cincinnati
After a second-round exit at the Canadian Open earlier this month, Pegula returned to form in Cincinnati. With a first-round bye, she secured a comfortable 6-4, 6-3 victory over Birrell in the second round. She now faces 31st seed Magda Linette for a place in the quarterfinals of the WTA 1000 tournament.
The tournament serves as key preparation for the US Open, where Jessica Pegula enjoyed a deep run in 2024, reaching the final. At 31, she remains a strong contender in the women’s game, combining consistency with tactical versatility.
Reflecting on burnout and motivation
Speaking on the Tennis Insider Club, Pegula opened up about the mental and physical toll of the tour, revealing that 2024 had left her feeling “burnt out.” However, she noted a significant change in her outlook this year.
“This year has been much better, I am more excited to travel. I’m not jumping up and down to travel but I’m appreciating being in Madrid, thinking it’s a nice city, I didn’t get to come here last year as I was hurt and I kind of miss it,” Jessica Pegula explained.
She emphasized that her decision to continue competing is made on a year-to-year basis, dependent on her health, performance, and motivation.
Setting a clear career end point
While many players keep retirement timelines vague, Pegula was direct about hers.
“I will definitely not be playing at 35,” she stated. “I think that is where I for sure have to stop. I think it would be cool to maybe try and make the Olympics because it’s in LA in a couple of years.”
Her comments suggest that while she still has several competitive seasons ahead, she is already envisioning her post-tennis chapter. The possibility of representing the United States at a home Olympics remains one of her key short-term goals.
Focused on the present
For now, Jessica Pegula’s attention remains firmly on the Cincinnati Open and the upcoming US Open. With her form trending upward and her mindset refreshed, the American star is poised to make another deep run before eventually hanging up her racquet — on her own terms.