Jessica Pegula Admits Missing Arguing With Umpires

World No. 5 tennis player says heated exchanges used to be her only emotional outlet on court.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 6:52am

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World No. 5 tennis player Jessica Pegula revealed in a podcast interview that she misses arguing with umpires during matches, as it used to be her primary emotional outlet on the court. Pegula, known for her calm demeanor, explained that earlier in her career she was pressured to show more intensity, but found that getting overly fired up or angry didn't help her performance. Now, she embraces her natural composure, which has drawn praise, even though she admits missing the ability to 'fight' with umpires over line calls.

Why it matters

Pegula's comments provide insight into the mental and emotional challenges elite athletes face, as they navigate balancing their natural tendencies with external expectations. Her evolution from a player criticized for appearing disinterested to one widely admired for her poise highlights the importance of self-acceptance in high-pressure sports.

The details

In a recent podcast interview, Pegula told fellow tennis players Andrea Petkovic and Alison Riske-Amritraj that she surprisingly misses arguing with umpires, as it used to be her only way to release tension and emotion during matches. The American explained that she rarely directs frustration at her opponent, herself or her coaching team, so 'fighting' with officials was her primary outlet. Earlier in her career, Pegula was told by her parents and coaches that she appeared disinterested, and they tried to get her to be more fired up on court, which went against her natural instincts. Now, Pegula embraces her calm demeanor, which has drawn widespread praise, even though she admits missing the ability to engage in heated exchanges with umpires.

  • Pegula recently sat down for the interview at the 2026 Charleston Open.
  • In 2025, Pegula discussed the pressure she faced earlier in her career to display more intensity in an interview with Tennis Insider Club.

The players

Jessica Pegula

The world No. 5 tennis player known for her calm and composed demeanor on court.

Andrea Petkovic

A fellow professional tennis player who co-hosts 'The Big T Podcast' where Pegula was interviewed.

Alison Riske-Amritraj

A professional tennis player and co-host of 'The Big T Podcast' where Pegula was interviewed.

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What they’re saying

“I kind of do. It's like the only time I feel like I show emotion. So I've gotten mad at umpires before. Like I don't really get mad at like the player or myself, well sometimes myself or my team, but like I kind of miss fighting with them a little bit.”

— Jessica Pegula, World No. 5 tennis player

“When I was growing up, my parents or my coaches at the time never really liked my attitude. They'd say, you know, you look like you don't care. So then I kind of got this complex, like, they were trying to get me to be fired up, and I'd be like, okay, but I can't do that, so I was trying to be something that I wasn't. And it just never worked.”

— Jessica Pegula, World No. 5 tennis player

“So it's funny now. I get so many compliments, like oh you're so calm and I love your presence on the court. I'm like, it's so funny cause I felt like my whole teenage years I was just being told how to act. What to be, what to do. And I had no idea what my personality was. And then I was just like, I don't care. Getting super fired up or even super mad drains me a lot; I never do well.”

— Jessica Pegula, World No. 5 tennis player

What’s next

Pegula will take on Elisabetta Cocciaretto in the third round of the 2026 Charleston Open as she aims to defend her title at the WTA 500 event.

The takeaway

Pegula's comments highlight the mental and emotional challenges elite athletes face in balancing their natural tendencies with external expectations. Her evolution from a player criticized for appearing disinterested to one widely admired for her poise shows the importance of self-acceptance in high-pressure sports.