Jessica Pegula gives Madison Keys the side eye, American replies she's just 'jealous' as duo trade banter ahead of WTA Finals

Pals Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys continued their banter, as they shared a sneak peek into their playful relationship ahead of the WTA Finals. Both players are currently in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to compete in the year-end tournament and bonded on social media over a Keys' unique shot during a practice session.

The duo are long-time friends and even have a podcast of their own, called The Players' Box, alongside Desirae Krawczyk and Jennifer Brady, where they discuss their lives as WTA players. Keys will be facing Iga Swiatek in her first match in Riyadh, while Pegula will take on Coco Gauff in hers.

However, amid preparations, the duo found time to have some fun, as Pegula shared an image of her on Instagram looking sideways during a practice and wrote:

“Me giving @madisonkeys side eye for hitting another forehand squash shot?"

Keys took notice of this and was quick to reply by sharing the post.

“Oh?? @jpegula is so jealous of my squash shot?” she said.

Madison Keys' story - via @madisonkeys on Instagram

Madison Keys, Jessica Pegula, and their friends also highlight important issues on their podcast.

---

Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys share the dark reality of gambling in tennis

Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys shared how they have been subjected to abuse by gamblers, adding to the persistent issue that has been addressed by many players. In the Player's Box Podcast, Pegula started the conversation by making a sarcastic comment and saying that these abuses rarely end up affecting them

"I don't think any of us really gamble but the people that gamble on our matches, we get to enjoy that fun part of being an athlete I guess I should say," she said.

Following this, Keys shared her story of being abused even on Venmo. She said:

"I'll never forget being at United Cup and you guys searching for my Venmo and I had a fake name because gamblers found me on Venmo and they sent me abusive messages requesting money after I lost."

The 2025 Australian Open champion continued by addressing how pointless it was, in her opinion, and said:

"It was literally like, 'I lost $5 on you and it was my last $5. I hate you. I hope you die.' And I'm like, 'Bro, why are you spending $5 on this? I think you have other problems if it's your last $5 and you're betting it on a tennis match.'"

Madison Keys will begin her WTA Finals campaign on November 1, and Jessica Pegula on November 2.

Edited by Riddhiman Sarkar