Ranked No.3 in women’s singles and No.6 in doubles (women) in the world, Jessica Pegula is an American professional tennis player. During the span of her 14-year long career, the American tennis star has won two singles titles and seven doubles titles on the WTA Tour. She has also reached the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam tournament in singles five times. Apart from her match earnings, Pegula also has endorsement deals with Adidas, Wilson and Porsche.

In a recent interview, the 29-year-old tennis star reveals that NBA legend late Kobe Bryant is one of her biggest inspirations.

Jessica Pegula’s heartfelt tribute to the NBA legend

August 24, one day after the birthday of the late NBA legend, officially marks Kobe Bryant Day, also known as Mamba Day. The day is celebrated in Los Angeles and Orange County commemorating the life of basketball player late Kobe Bryant. As tributes poured in from across the world, one such heartfelt tribute was that of tennis star Jessica Pegula.

In an interview with Ed McGrogan of ‘Tennis.com’, the tennis star says, “He was always one of my biggest inspirations.” She also mentioned, “When he retired, I read so much about his career, his game and his mindset—his Mamba Mentality of having to be the best version of yourself every single day and every moment. That just really spoke true to me.”

Having played his last NBA game in 2016, the late Laker legend’s journey transcends the NBA as many professional athletes like Jessica Pegula take inspiration from the five-time NBA champion. The 18-time All-Star spent with all his 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, playing a crucial role in producing five championships for the franchise.

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Interestingly, Kobe Bryant Day is celebrated on 24th of August (8/24) because of the iconic two jersey numbers that Bryant wore during his 20-year NBA career.

A day to celebrate the life of the late NBA legend

Known for his philanthropical work as well, especially around Los Angeles, the late Lakers legend used to regularly volunteer at the ‘Make-A-Wish Foundation’, ‘NBA Cares’ and ‘The Boys & Girls Clubs of America’, and even served as an ambassador for ‘After-School All-Stars’.

While doing charity work of her own in her own state New York, “He was the same person that said,” recalled Jessica Pegula, “‘If you’re not giving back to your sport or the next generation, then what are you really doing this for?’”

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Late Kobe Bryant has inspired the next generation of professional athletes to be a good role models for the lesser privileged and that is why Kobe will always be loved by fans not just in Los Angeles but all over the world!

What are your thoughts on Jessica Pegula’s heartfelt tribute? Comment below!