Jessica Pegula has been one of the most consistent players on the WTA Tour in 2025, but heading into the US Open she admitted to feeling the mental and physical toll of a long season.
After battling through early rounds, the fourth seed surprised reporters by revealing that an unusual form of relaxation — a night out with friends capped by an escape-room experience — had helped her clear her mind and rediscover her focus.
The result was a composed and clinical fourth-round performance, in which Pegula dismantled her opponent with powerful baseline hitting, efficient serving and improved shot selection.
Analysts noted that Pegula’s willingness to inject variety into her play, combined with renewed energy, made her a dangerous prospect heading into the latter stages of the tournament.
Off court, the anecdote resonated with fans as a reminder that elite athletes are human and sometimes need unconventional outlets to alleviate pressure.
Pegula explained that the immersive, puzzle-solving environment of the escape room forced her to think differently and break out of the repetitive mental cycles that often accompany professional competition.
With the quarter-finals set, her resurgence provides hope for American fans looking for a deep home run at Flushing Meadows.
Pegula’s story also fits into a larger theme at the US Open this year: athletes openly discussing mental wellness strategies and finding ways to sustain performance under immense scrutiny.
If she can continue her run, Pegula could find herself in the mix for the title and further cement her place among the game’s elite.
After battling through early rounds, the fourth seed surprised reporters by revealing that an unusual form of relaxation — a night out with friends capped by an escape-room experience — had helped her clear her mind and rediscover her focus.
The result was a composed and clinical fourth-round performance, in which Pegula dismantled her opponent with powerful baseline hitting, efficient serving and improved shot selection.
Analysts noted that Pegula’s willingness to inject variety into her play, combined with renewed energy, made her a dangerous prospect heading into the latter stages of the tournament.
Off court, the anecdote resonated with fans as a reminder that elite athletes are human and sometimes need unconventional outlets to alleviate pressure.
Pegula explained that the immersive, puzzle-solving environment of the escape room forced her to think differently and break out of the repetitive mental cycles that often accompany professional competition.
With the quarter-finals set, her resurgence provides hope for American fans looking for a deep home run at Flushing Meadows.
Pegula’s story also fits into a larger theme at the US Open this year: athletes openly discussing mental wellness strategies and finding ways to sustain performance under immense scrutiny.
If she can continue her run, Pegula could find herself in the mix for the title and further cement her place among the game’s elite.
