Jessica Pegula may not have won the U.S. Open trophy, but her husband Taylor Gahagen definitely had a winning moment thanks to NBA superstar Stephen Curry. The Currys were in attendance at Arthur Ashe Stadium for the women’s final and witnessed Pegula’s loss to Aryna Sabalenka. However, before the match, Pegula had the opportunity to chat with Curry, whom she had previously met in Paris during the Olympics. Curry, a two-time MVP and four-time NBA champion, had just won a gold medal with the U.S. men’s basketball team. Pegula’s husband, a big fan of Curry, was thrilled to hear about their interaction. He even changed his iPhone name to “Steph Curry” and was excited to share this with the basketball star. Pegula found it cute and wondered if Curry actually thought it was funny or if he considered her husband a bit crazy.
Gahagen, who married Pegula in 2021, used to work for Pegula’s parents, the owners of the Buffalo Bills. He spent nearly a decade in their sports and entertainment management company. Currently, Gahagen serves as the vice president of Pegula’s skincare brand, Ready 24, and assists her in running her charitable foundation, A Lending Paw. It’s clear that Gahagen plays an important role in Pegula’s life both personally and professionally.
Despite her loss in the final, Pegula’s appearance in her first grand slam final was a significant achievement. Sabalenka, the favorite to win, was seeking revenge after losing the women’s final in 2023. She started the match strong, winning five consecutive games to claim the first set. However, Pegula didn’t let that deter her. She took a 3-0 lead in the final set and even held it at 5-3, showing great promise to force a third set. Unfortunately, Sabalenka regained her composure and ultimately rallied for the victory.
Overall, the U.S. Open may not have ended with Pegula lifting the trophy, but her journey and the support she received, particularly from Stephen Curry, made it a memorable experience. Pegula’s husband’s admiration for Curry adds a lighthearted touch to their relationship and highlights the intersection of sports and personal connections. While Pegula may have lost the match, her determination and achievement in reaching the final should be celebrated.
