When you watch Jessica Pegula glide across the court at the US Open or grind through a clay-court match in Charleston, your eyes are usually glued to her backhand. It’s flat. It’s clinical. It’s basically a laser beam. But if you look closer—specifically when she’s wiping sweat away or gripping her racket during a changeover—you’ll spot bits of ink that tell a much quieter story than her billionaire-heiress-meets-tenacious-pro reputation suggests.
The jessica pegula tattoo collection isn't loud. It’s not a full sleeve like Nick Kyrgios or the colorful, decorative art of Marketa Vondrousova. Instead, Jessie's ink is intentional, somewhat hidden, and deeply personal.
Most fans don’t even realize she has more than one.
The Latin Manifesto on Her Shoulder
The most prominent piece she has is a vertical string of text running down her back, tucked under her left shoulder blade. For years, people just saw a smudge of black ink during high-intensity serves. Then, in early 2023, she finally spilled the beans on Rennae Stubbs’ "The Power Hour."
It’s a Latin phrase: Aut inveniam viam aut faciam. In English? "I will either find a way or make one."
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Honestly, it’s the perfect summary of her career. Think about it. Pegula didn't just "arrive" on the scene as a teen prodigy. She dealt with massive knee and hip injuries that would have ended most careers before they started. While the world looked at her family’s wealth—her parents own the Buffalo Bills and the Sabres—she was busy grinding in the minor leagues of tennis, trying to prove she belonged.
She got this tattoo when she was 25. At that point, she wasn’t even in the Top 100. Most people figured she’d just retire and join the family business. She didn't. She made her own way. Now, as a perennial Top 5 player, that Latin script feels less like a wish and more like a historical record.
Two Tiny Paws and a Big Mission
If you catch a high-res photo of her left hand, you’ll see two tiny paw prints on the inside of her middle finger. This is arguably the jessica pegula tattoo that carries the most emotional weight, despite being the smallest.
She got these when she was 18. They’re a tribute to her first two dogs.
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Jessie is a massive dog person. Like, "start-a-charity" level dog person. She and her husband, Taylor Gahagen, run A Lending Paw, a foundation that focuses on rescue dogs and training them to be service animals. When she’s on the road for months at a time, those little paws on her finger are a constant reminder of home and her four-legged family members.
Why Finger Tattoos?
Finger ink is notoriously tricky for athletes. The skin is thin. It fades fast because of constant friction with the racket grip. But for Pegula, the placement is discreet. It’s for her, not for the cameras. It’s a bit of "kinda-sorta" rebellion that fits her low-key personality.
The Mystery of "No Fear"
There’s a third tattoo that’s been whispered about in tennis circles, though it’s rarely seen on TV. Reportedly, she has the words "No Fear" inked somewhere on her body.
While the Latin back piece is about persistence, "No Fear" seems to be about the mental hurdles of pro sports. For a long time, Pegula struggled in Grand Slam quarterfinals—she lost six of them before finally breaking through to the 2024 US Open final. Playing without fear of failure is a theme she talks about constantly in press conferences.
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A Different Kind of Tennis Style
The jessica pegula tattoo choices reflect her broader approach to being a public figure. She’s wealthy, yes, but she’s also the girl who took the subway to the US Open and drinks a Heineken at a post-match press conference after a tough loss.
Her tattoos aren't "branding." They are milestones.
- The Back Tattoo: Represents her professional journey and the grit it took to climb the WTA rankings late in life.
- The Paw Prints: Represents her personal life, her marriage, and her passion for animal welfare.
- The Style: Minimalist. She prefers fine-line work that doesn't distract from her classic Adidas kits.
What’s Next for Jessie's Ink?
Don't expect her to show up with a giant chest piece anytime soon. Pegula is all about "steady." She’s already looking toward the 2026 season, confirming her return to tournaments like Charleston where she’s a fan favorite.
If she adds more ink, it’ll likely be something small and meaningful. Maybe something related to her Korean heritage—she’s been increasingly vocal about her mother Kim’s story and her own role as an ambassador for the Asian-American community.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're looking to spot these details yourself or follow her journey, here is what you should do:
- Watch the Changeovers: The Latin tattoo on her back is most visible when she’s changing shirts or adjusting her gear during a break.
- Follow "A Lending Paw": If the paw print tattoo resonates with you, check out her charity. They do incredible work connecting rescue dogs with people who need service animals.
- Check the 2026 Schedule: Pegula has already committed to the Credit One Charleston Open in 2026. If you're attending in person, you might get a closer look at her finger ink during autograph sessions.
- Listen to her Podcasts: She’s much more open about her personal life on long-form interviews than in quick on-court chats. That's where the real stories behind the ink come out.
Jessie Pegula proves you don't need to be loud to be tough. Sometimes, the strongest messages are the ones written in a dead language or hidden on the side of a finger.