From celebrities filling the stands to influencers documenting their experiences, tennis tournaments have increasingly become more than what happens between the lines. Jessica Pegula, however, sees it as a positive development for the sport.

Ahead of the US Open, Pegula spoke with Front Office Sports about the changing landscape around the sport and the growing number of influencers attending Grand Slam events.

“Yeah, I mean influencers are so interesting. I think they've brought a lot of eyes to the sport. I think they've made it a bit more trendy," Pegula said.

She also pointed to the growing connection between tennis, fashion, celebrities, and Hollywood as part of the sport’s evolution.

According to Pegula's August 17 interview with Front Office Sports, the world No. 1 American tennis player also believes influencers help show that attending a Grand Slam is about more than simply watching a match.

With food, drinks, fashion, and other experiences becoming part of the attraction, she feels influencers can showcase sides of major tournaments.

“I think it's cool. I think it definitely gives a different side to, you know, not every fan just goes to watch one person. They're going for food and drinks and to enjoy everything,” Pegula explained in the interview with Front Office Sports.

Interestingly, Pegula admitted that she does not see herself entering that world anytime soon. The 32-year-old joked that she is “not a Gen Zer” and described herself as more of a millennial.

But even she has found herself watching influencer videos and becoming interested in things she previously would not have expected to follow.

“I do find myself watching their videos and getting very interested in things that I never thought I would be interested in,” Pegula added.

For Pegula, that may be the clearest evidence of why influencers have found a place around tennis majors. Their content can reach audiences beyond traditional tennis followers while adding another layer to the experience surrounding the sport.

Jessica Pegula explains why tennis has become its own fashion category

Pegula also sees tennis’ growing cultural influence through fashion. Speaking with WWD, she described the relationship between the sport and fashion as "cool" and “fun,” while pointing to the recent resurgence of the tennis look.

“I think we’ve seen that tennis has come back and had a bit of a moment over the last couple of years where it’s almost like its own fashion category. It’s the tennis look,” Pegula said to Women's Wear Daily.

She also highlighted how players can use their outfits and accessories to express themselves. Be it jewelry, a watch, or even a hairstyle, Pegula believes those details can help an athlete feel more like themselves before stepping onto a massive court.

That individuality has become increasingly visible across tennis, with the sport intersecting with tenniscore, celebrity culture, and luxury fashion. Pegula believes players have considerable freedom to make their outfits fit their personalities.

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Written by

Nilendu Brahma

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit