Who is Jessica Pegula's husband? Tennis champ reacts to 'Cotton Eye Joe' song after winning Canadian Open
![Jessica Pegula tied the knot with her longtime companion Taylor Gahagen (L) in 2021 (Instagram/@jpegula)](http://d2a0gza273xfgz.cloudfront.net/639171/uploads/8658d500-3a99-11ee-b961-4f5502444c9c_1200_630.png)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In an electrifying display of skill and determination, Jessica Pegula clinched her second WTA 1000 title at the Canadian Open on Sunday, August 13. The win left tennis enthusiasts in awe of her exceptional performance.
Pegula's charisma shines both on and off court, encompassing intriguing aspects of her personal life, her humorous on-court experiences, and her carefully chosen equipment.
Who is Jessica Pegula's husband?
While Jessica Pegula's tennis achievements have been spotlighted on numerous occasions, her life beyond the court is equally captivating.
In late 2021, Pegula exchanged vows with her longtime companion, Taylor Gahagen. Notably, Gahagen's career is intertwined with the sports and entertainment world, having spent years working at Pegula Sports and Entertainment, a company owned by Jessica's parents.
![(Instagram/@jpegula)](http://d6ehjqrqtzoun.cloudfront.net/530c2d17-08eb-429c-a196-704adb276344.jpeg)
Gahagen's professional journey led him from a role in corporate development to brand strategy for the Buffalo Sabres, the Pegulas' NHL professional hockey team.
With an MBA from Canisius College and a BSc in business administration from the State University of New York at Fredonia, Gahagen's blend of expertise and passion makes him an integral part of the sports industry.
Beyond his business endeavors, Gahagen co-founded 'A Lending Paw', an animal welfare organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating dogs. This commitment to animals highlights his character and values, mirroring Pegula's own compassion.
The couple celebrated their union in a private ceremony at North Carolina's enchanting Biltmore Estate, surrounded by close friends and family.
This intimate event marked the beginning of their shared journey, uniting their love for sports and philanthropy, according to Marie Claire.
'Cotton Eye Joe' trends after Jessica Pegula tennis match
The final match of the Canadian Open witnessed Jessica Pegula's dominance as she secured victory against Liudmila Samsonova in just 49 minutes. Yet, an unexpected twist awaited her after the match—a humorous touch that left everyone amused.
Following her win, the lively tune of 'Cotton Eye Joe' by Rednex resonated throughout the stadium, evoking laughter from the audience and Pegula herself.
The song's choice was ironically fitting, as it had played during a pivotal moment in a prior match, creating a humorous link between her victories and the catchy melody.
During a post-match press conference, Pegula shared her amusement regarding the song choice.
She revealed that the DJ's decision to play "Cotton Eye Joe" after her victory was unexpected but delightfully fitting, considering the song's role in her previous matches.
This light-hearted incident highlights Pegula's ability to find humor even in the midst of intense competition, adding depth to her character on and off the court.
What racquet does Jessica Pegula play with?
Beyond her wins and charismatic moments, Jessica Pegula's choice of equipment contributes to her success on the court.
Pegula's racquet of choice is the Yonex EZONE 98, a trusted companion for the past five seasons. This preference reflects her unwavering confidence in Yonex's quality and innovation.
![LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 09: Jessica Pegula of United States celebrates winning match point against Lesia Tsurenko of Ukraine in the Women's Singles fourth round match during day seven of The Championships Wimbledon 2023 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 09, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)](http://d6ehjqrqtzoun.cloudfront.net/188d647f-dd0a-40ba-bf24-6bfec9427da1.jpg)
Before adopting the Yonex EZONE 98, Pegula collaborated with Babolat, showcasing her commitment to refining her game and adapting her equipment to optimize her performance.
Her decision aligns her with fellow tennis luminaries Naomi Osaka and Belinda Bencic, who also rely on the Yonex EZONE 98 for their matches.
Pegula's meticulous approach extends to her choice of strings—Polytour Rev—adding a personalized touch to her equipment setup.
With a reported strung weight of 320g, her racquet is tailored to her specifications, underscoring her dedication to precision and technique.
Pegula also favors the Adidas Barricade Women's tennis shoe range for ultimate comfort and support, per Tennis365.