World's richest player reveals major downside of tennis tour as she lands new deal
Jessica Pegula has become an ambassador for World of Hyatt, and the world No. 3 admits the deal solves one of her major problems.
Jessica Pegula has spoken out about one of the less glamorous aspects of life on the professional tennis circuit, despite recently securing a new brand deal. As the world No. 3, she already has partnerships with Adidas and Stella Artois, among others, and has now become an ambassador for World of Hyatt, addressing one of her major concerns on the tour.
While the life of a tennis player may seem luxurious, the travel schedule can be long and exhausting, with the circuit now spanning 11 months of the year. Over time, Pegula has come to realize the importance of having a comfortable place to rest while competing, and her new sponsorship will make a significant difference.
As the daughter of billionaire Terry Pegula, who owns the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres, Jessica is no stranger to the business world. She has her own skincare brand, Ready 24, and recently launched the charity A Lending Paw.
- NASCAR on FOX announcer Mike Joy makes surprise career move with son involved
- ESPN continues drastic changes as 20-year vet departs after contract dispute
The 31-year-old also has a number of sponsorships and has now added to her portfolio as a World of Hyatt ambassador. In this role, she will participate in luxury experiences for guests and host tennis clinics
The partnership also helps alleviate one of her major complaints about the tennis tour: the relentless travel schedule.
"Travelling week in and week out can be draining and tiring, not being able to go home all the time," Pegula told Forbes. "Having a great place to come back to, to relax and recover and recharge is important."
"Maybe it is getting older, but having a good bed and a good pillow is really important. Maybe I didn't worry about that when I was 20, but being in my 30s now, that stuff is a priority."
While Pegula previously chose her hotels herself while traveling for tournaments, she's happy for Hyatt to step in. Building relationships with brands outside of tennis is also something she values. Pegula added, "I have always felt as an athlete I owe that time back because they are improving me and improving whatever they are doing.
"You have to give those people your time, as they are doing something really great for you. I don't want to be that person who is showing up to just show up. It makes me feel a lot more comfortable when doing events to have information and not bluff my way through it.
DON'T MISS...
"It keeps it more natural, and you can develop long-term relationships. It is really important for me to keep those connections you are making with people organic and honest."
Pegula is currently competing as the top seed in the WTA 500 event in Strasbourg. After winning the title in Charleston on green clay, she has faced challenges on European orange clay, with a 3-3 match record so far.
Regardless of the outcome this week, Pegula can rest assured that her hotel arrangements are taken care of for the upcoming French Open in Paris.
