Like many other players, Jessica Pegula has been warmly embraced by her fans in China. And she never misses a chance to show her love back. Flashback to the 2022 US Open, when Pegula, fresh off a quarterfinal loss to Iga Swiatek, walked into her press conference holding a can of Heineken. The bold move went viral on social media, with Paula Badosa calling her an “idol” and Ellen Perez declaring it “queen things.” A year later in Beijing, fans made sure the moment lived on, showing up with Heineken cans for Pegula to sign. The gesture not only reignited the viral moment but also cemented how a single beer became part of Pegula’s legend.
If that wasn’t enough, during her time representing the United States at the Billie Jean King Cup, Jessica Pegula revealed a sweet keyring engraved with her dog, Maddie, an unexpected gift from a Chinese fan whose name she didn’t share. Now, after improving to 4-0 against Ajla Tomljanovic with a straight-sets win in the China Open second round, Pegula’s bond with Chinese fans feels stronger than ever. When asked if she had noticed a change over her years in Beijing, and what stood out most about the fan culture, Jessica Pegula made her feelings clear about the Chinese crowd following her sensational Beijing Open win.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Jessica Pegula overwhelmed with love in Beijing
Yesterday during her post-match press conference in Beijing, Jessica Pegula openly expressed her appreciation for the Chinese fans and their unique energy. “I’ve definitely noticed it a lot this year. Last year I noticed it, but I don’t know why it feels like more this year,” she said with warmth. For Pegula, the atmosphere in China has become noticeably different, one that makes her feel increasingly embraced. What stood out even more was her revelation: “Now I have a nickname.”
Pegula also praised the creativity of her Chinese supporters, highlighting how they go above and beyond. “I think they’re so creative with a lot of off-court stuff, doing stuff for the podcast that we started. They’re very creative, I keep saying. Like, they definitely research a lot of things,” she explained. Her words reflected both surprise and admiration for the way fans engage not just with her matches, but with her personal life and projects outside tennis.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The 31-year-old further went on to compare her current experience with her past visits. “Even though I did feel it last year, this year it feels like it’s a lot more. I’m not sure why. Maybe over the years gaining fans and stuff like that. Or maybe I’m just embracing it a little bit more,” Pegula admitted. That honesty shows her recognition of growth – both in her fanbase and in her own ability to let that support sink in. She acknowledged how the passage of time and consistent engagement have allowed her to build stronger ties with fans in Beijing. “It’s been a lot of fun. I definitely can feel a lot more support coming here,” she added, leaving no doubt about her gratitude.
And honestly, what’s not to love about the Chinese fans? “Honestly, it’s the place I’ve come [where] I’ve gotten the most gifts,” Coco Gauff said last year. “You can tell they really take time to give you the gifts and see what you like. They know I like stuffed animals, so I’ve gotten a lot of those.” And Jessica Pegula, too, felt that same wave of affection, with fans presenting her gifts that reflected her Buffalo roots.
Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports
Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports
Jessica Pegula on Chinese fans after ‘Princess of Buffalo’ gift
Barely a week ago, Jessica Pegula used her Instagram stories to highlight the wave of love she’s receiving from fans in China. In one post, she showcased three thoughtful gifts: a photo of her holding a lollipop that recreated her viral US Open press conference moment, a custom-made item styled like a Heineken can but rebranded with “J. Pegula,” and a key ring featuring the logo of “The Players Box,” the podcast she co-hosts with Madison Keys, Jennifer Brady, and Desire Krawczyk. Her caption summed it up perfectly: “The Chinese fans are unmatched @chinaopen.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In another story, Jessica Pegula revealed a beautifully designed Chinese paper fan. With a mix of pride and humor, she captioned it, “This means princess of buffalo in Chinese, also a gift 😂 amazing.” It was a clever cultural gesture that tied her Buffalo roots with her growing popularity in China. Next, Pegula’s third story added a playful twist. She shared a capybara plush toy from fans, joking, “Another gift – apparently I am a capybara? bc I’m calm.” The comment showed her ability to laugh at herself while appreciating the thoughtfulness of her fans.