Jessica Pegula Reveals ‘Gross’ Bathroom Incident Amid US Open 2025 Heartbreak
Jessica Pegula, the American tennis star and world No. 4, has opened up about a particularly uncomfortable moment during her impressive run to the semifinals at the 2025 US Open. In a candid post-tournament interview, Pegula shared a “gross” experience involving back pain and a subpar bathroom facility that added to the physical and mental challenges of her Flushing Meadows campaign. The revelation, made during a discussion about her summer struggles, highlights the behind-the-scenes realities of elite tennis and Pegula’s resilience in pushing through adversity to reach her deepest major run since the 2024 US Open final.
A Semifinal Run Marred by Discomfort
Pegula’s 2025 US Open journey was a story of redemption after a tough summer. She started strong with a straight-sets win over Ann Li in the fourth round, followed by a dominant 6-3, 6-3 quarterfinal victory over Barbora Krejcikova on September 2, 2025, to advance to the semifinals for the first time since 2024. However, her campaign ended in the semis against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, falling 6-4, 3-6, 4-6 in a hard-fought three-setter. Pegula also reached the mixed doubles semifinals with Jack Draper, losing 5-3, 3-5, 8-10 to the eventual champions.
Reflecting on her performances in a September 9, 2025, interview, Pegula discussed the physical toll, particularly a back pain flare-up during the quarterfinal against Krejcikova. Midway through the match, she had to leave the court for a medical timeout, which she later described as a “horrible” and “gross” ordeal. “The bathroom was gross,” Pegula revealed, explaining that the facility’s condition exacerbated her discomfort while dealing with the injury. She had to manage the pain in less-than-ideal circumstances, crediting her trainer for helping her through it. “I had to reset… it was a bit eerie switching from mixed doubles to singles,” she added, noting the mental challenge of compartmentalizing the back issue amid the tournament’s demands.
The back pain stemmed from a recurring issue that had plagued her summer, including early exits at Wimbledon, Washington, Montreal, and Cincinnati. Pegula admitted to quitting a practice session with Sabalenka days before the US Open due to the discomfort, but an off-court activity—an escape room night with friends—helped her regain focus and confidence. “Completing that escape room eased me back into form,” she said, crediting the fun outing for lifting her spirits before her strong showing against Li, where she broke serve six times.
Pegula’s Resilience and Broader Context
Pegula’s openness about the “gross” bathroom incident underscores her no-nonsense approach to the sport’s unglamorous side. At 31, she’s navigating a career peak, reaching eight major quarterfinals across all four Slams and holding a career-high No. 3 ranking in 2022. Her 2025 US Open marked her eighth major quarterfinal, with three at the Australian Open and three at the US Open. As the daughter of Buffalo Bills and Sabres owner Terry Pegula, she’s no stranger to pressure, but her story humanizes the elite level.
The incident adds to a narrative of perseverance for Pegula, who has overcome injuries and family health scares, including her mother’s cardiac arrest in 2022. Her semifinal loss to Sabalenka was a rematch of the 2024 final, where Pegula fell short, but she remained optimistic: “I’m pretty confident with who I am.” Off the court, Pegula’s mixed doubles run with Draper provided lighter moments, though she called the quick transition to singles “weird,” especially after playing on Arthur Ashe Stadium early.
Fans and peers have praised Pegula’s grit, with social media posts highlighting her ability to push through the “gross” setback. One X user wrote, “Jessica Pegula powering through back pain in a gross bathroom? That’s champion mentality! 💪 #USOpen.” Her performance, including six breaks against Li, showed her baseline consistency and return game at their best.
Looking Ahead
As Pegula reflects on her “eerie” US Open experience—balancing pain, resets, and triumphs—she eyes the Asian swing and a strong 2026 Australian Open. Her story of overcoming the “horrible” quarterfinal moment serves as inspiration, proving that even in the glamour of Flushing Meadows, tennis’s realities can be gritty. With her family’s support and renewed confidence, Pegula remains a force, ready to chase that elusive major title.
