Jessica Pegula did not win the U.S. Open trophy, but her husband Taylor Gahagan had a memorable experience thanks to NBA star Stephen Curry. The Currys were in attendance at Arthur Ashe Stadium for the women’s final where Pegula lost to Aryna Sabalenka. Pegula had previously met Curry while he was in Paris for the Olympics, where he won a gold medal with the U.S. men’s basketball team. The couple had the chance to chat with Pegula before the match and Gahagan got to meet his hero, which was a special moment for him as he is a big fan of Curry.
Gahagan, who works for Pegula’s parents, Buffalo Bills owners Terry and Kim Pegula, tied the knot with the tennis star in 2021. He currently serves as the vice president of her skincare brand, Ready 24, and assists with her charitable foundation, A Lending Paw. The moment with Curry was a light-hearted and humorous one for Pegula after losing her first grand slam final appearance. Despite the loss, Pegula played well and even managed to take a lead in the final set against Sabalenka, although the Belarusian player ultimately rallied to win the match.
Sabalenka was the favorite going into the U.S. Open final and was seeking revenge after losing the previous year’s final to Coco Gauff. She started strong, winning five consecutive games to take the first set. However, Pegula fought back and managed to take a 3-0 lead in the final set, later holding it at 5-3. It seemed like she might force a third set, but Sabalenka regrouped and ultimately won the match. Despite the loss, Pegula’s performance was commendable and she showed her competitive spirit throughout the match.
Gahagan’s special moment with Curry was a highlight for him and added some joy to the disappointment of Pegula’s loss. His admiration for Curry is evident in his iPhone name being “Steph Curry,” and he was excited to meet his hero at the U.S. Open. Pegula found Gahagan’s interaction with Curry to be cute and humorous, and it provided a lighthearted moment for the couple after the match. Their relationship and support for each other, both personally and professionally, is apparent in Gahagan’s role in Pegula’s skincare brand and charitable foundation.
Pegula’s journey to the U.S. Open final was a significant achievement for her and showcased her talent on the tennis court. Despite the loss, she handled herself with grace and sportsmanship and received support from her husband and those around her. The experience of playing in her first grand slam final will be a valuable learning opportunity for Pegula as she continues to grow and develop as a professional tennis player. Overall, Pegula’s performance and resilience in the face of a tough opponent like Sabalenka were notable, and she has much to be proud of as she looks towards future competitions and opportunities for success.
