Jessica Pegula Believes She and Tommy Paul 'Might Be Done' After Eisenhower Cup Loss

The world No. 5 reflects on her mixed doubles partnership with Paul and their early exit from the pre-Indian Wells exhibition event.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Jessica Pegula recently opened up about her mixed doubles partnership with Tommy Paul, which ended in a first-round defeat at the Eisenhower Cup, an exhibition event ahead of the Indian Wells Open. Pegula joked that they might be done playing together, citing Paul's past struggles in similar 10-point tiebreaker tournaments. Despite the early exit, Pegula has found success in the singles draw at Indian Wells, advancing to the round of 16.

Why it matters

Pegula and Paul's partnership at the Eisenhower Cup highlights the challenges professional tennis players face when competing in exhibition events, where the stakes may not be as high but the pressure to perform can still be significant. Pegula's comments provide insight into the dynamics between players and the potential impact of early losses on their future collaborations.

The details

Pegula and Paul were defeated 11-9 in the first round of the Eisenhower Cup mixed doubles event, dashing their hopes of the $200k prize. Reflecting on the loss, Pegula joked that it might be better if they did not team up again, citing Paul's past struggles in similar 10-point tiebreaker tournaments. Pegula praised Paul's talent and energy, but acknowledged his frustration at having to remain at the tournament after an early defeat.

  • Pegula and Paul competed in the Eisenhower Cup, a mixed doubles exhibition event, ahead of the 2026 Indian Wells Open.
  • Pegula and Paul were defeated 11-9 in the first round of the Eisenhower Cup.

The players

Jessica Pegula

The world No. 5 tennis player who recently won the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship and is currently competing at the Indian Wells Open.

Tommy Paul

An ATP tennis player who has partnered with Pegula in mixed doubles events, including the Eisenhower Cup.

Mirra Andreeva

A tennis player who, along with Alexander Bublik, defeated Pegula and Paul in the first round of the Eisenhower Cup.

Alexander Bublik

A tennis player who, along with Mirra Andreeva, defeated Pegula and Paul in the first round of the Eisenhower Cup.

Belinda Bencic

Pegula's upcoming opponent in the round of 16 at the Indian Wells Open, a challenging opponent who has won their last four matches.

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What they’re saying

“Tommy's great. Love Tommy. I think we all love Tommy here. He is a lot of fun. Good energy. But I think we might be done. I don't know if we're meant to play mixed together.”

— Jessica Pegula (The Player's Box Podcast)

“He was a little distraught because, besides making the one year, the finals with Madi, he's lost the first round the three other years. Two of them with me. One, I think with Sloane (Stephens), he said, and then he also came from the MGM slam thing. It was a 10-point tiebreaker tournament, and he lost the first round there, and he said he got killed like 10-3 by Fritz. So, he's just like, 'I just really want to win these 10-point tiebreakers. I'm so sick of losing these.'”

— Jessica Pegula (The Player's Box Podcast)

What’s next

Pegula is set to face Belinda Bencic in the round of 16 at the Indian Wells Open, a challenging opponent who has won their last four matches.

The takeaway

Pegula's comments on her mixed doubles partnership with Tommy Paul highlight the emotional and competitive nature of exhibition events, where even experienced professionals can struggle with the pressure to perform. Despite their early exit, Pegula has found success in the singles draw at Indian Wells, demonstrating her resilience and adaptability as a top-ranked player.