Jessica Pegula, the world's richest tennis star with a family net worth of £5.5bn, has shared her non-negotiable requirements for Wimbledon 2026 after securing a second-round berth. The American fourth seed defeated Darja Vidmanova in straight sets, avoiding a repeat of her first-round exit in 2025.
Air Conditioning a Must for American Star
Pegula revealed that upon seeing the weather forecast for this year's Championships, she immediately ensured her accommodation had air conditioning. "My non-negotiable here, when I knew it was going to be hot was like 'I need an AC unit in the flat'. Like, it's an absolute must. I'm American. I need AC," Pegula said.
She also noted that as she gets older, she packs more items for comfort. "I think one thing is I've noticed I pack a lot more than I used to, because there's things maybe in my old age that make me feel just better on the road. And it can be anything. It could be like one of those things to blend my coffee. I don't feel like going to buy one so I'll bring one from home. It's bringing extra snacks."
Avoiding Player Hotels for Mental Wellbeing
Pegula has previously opted to stay away from the official player hotel at Wimbledon, citing mental exhaustion. "Oh my gosh, being away from everyone else is a massive thing for me," she said. "I just felt like, 'I can't do [player hotels] anymore.' When you're staying at a tournament hotel, I feel like it's so mentally draining. It's not like anyone is a problem. But if you were going to work with someone, you wouldn't necessarily want to eat breakfast with them, practice with them, be in the gym, have lunch, go to the locker room and the physio room with them, and then see them in all the elevators and the hallways."
Home Comforts on Tour
The 2023 quarter-finalist added that she now travels with more items to feel at home. "I was talking to someone that brings their slippers. I'm not going to bring my slippers. But, you know, or sometimes a candle or just something that kind of makes you feel that you're not so far away from home. Comforting things," Pegula said. "I would say that's something this year that I've definitely been travelling with way more stuff. I feel like I'm just like the mum with all of these things. You need this, you need that, you need this? That's something I've noticed."
Pegula will next face Sara Sorribes Tormo in the second round as she aims to improve on her best Wimbledon performance.
