Jessica Pegula aims to show "different" side of athletes' lives through social media

Jessica Pegula has opined that professional athletes like her are not always in their element and that they have to endure hardships like everyone else, something that the American hopes to enlighten her fans about via social media.

After her doubles title triumph alongside Coco Gauff at the Miami Open, Pegula flew to South Carolina to participate in the Charleston Open. She registered an impressive straight-sets win over Anna Blinkova (6-2, 6-0) on Wednesday (April 5), commencing her clay season on a bright note.

Speaking to the Tennis Channel after her match, Pegula divulged the bracket of content she posts on social media. While several other players only publicize their joyful moments on the internet, she opts to post about her "different" side as well.

"I think when I'm just at that moment, I'm like, 'this is really sad, this is really hard, I can't realize this is what I'm doing right now.' But I think it just shows the different side, that even though we're professional athletes, we work very hard, very professional," she stated.

Further emphasizing her point, Pegula pointed out that athletes' lives are no different from others, adding that they endure tough moments as well.

"We're just like everyone else," Pegula added. "We hit those moments where it looks crazy cool, playing in stadiums and all that stuff but like meanwhile, you know, it's tough."

---

Jessica Pegula feels it is a "grind" leading an athlete life

Jessica Pegula at the 2022 WTA Finals

Jessica Pegula also claimed that it is "definitely a grind" to lead an athlete's life, with all the travel, hectic schedules and lack of sleep. She picks such moments to share with everyone on the internet to shed light on the same.

"We travel a lot, schedule stuff, you don't sleep. It's definitely a grind. So, I think I just like picking up those moments to share with everyone," Pegula said.

Meanwhile, reflecting on her performance against Blinkova, the 29-year-old stated that she was satisfied with her overall game, particularly with her return shots.

"I honestly feel really good. I felt pretty comfortable there today. I thought I returned pretty well. I put a lot of pressure on her [Blinkova] serve. The good thing with clay is, even though it's slower, I think it helps because I have a lot time on my returns," she asserted.

Pegula will next face Irina-Camelia Begu in the Round-of-16 of the Charleston Open on Thursday (April 6).