Pegula revealed her deep fondness for Chinese milk tea originated from a close friend, Yuan Yue, whom she praised as an angel.

As the Wuhan Open and Shanghai Masters wrapped up, the China tennis season has passed its midpoint, creating precious "China season memories" for many. For American athlete Pegula, Chinese milk tea made a strong impression during this year’s China season.

After the Wuhan Open final, Pegula shared a farewell message to China, reminiscing about the "unique Chinese milk tea." "It was my first time in Asia, and even when I was a very young athlete, I fell in love with milk tea," Pegula recalled at the post-match press conference.

This world-class tennis player openly expressed her love for milk tea and emphasized that she recommends it to all her friends. For this American athlete, milk tea has become a sweet link connecting her to Asian culture. "People are often surprised that I like milk tea, but actually, milk tea is trendy and popular in the U.S. as well," Pegula added with a smile.

Notably, Pegula specifically mentioned the thoughtful gesture of Chinese player Yuan Yue and stressed that it was Yuan Yue’s recommendation that sparked her lasting bond with "Chinese milk tea."

Pegula said that during the China Open, her Chinese close friend Yuan Yue recommended a certain Chinese milk tea brand and even ordered one for her. She admitted, "I told her to put less sugar, and she said I could just ask her anytime in the future. I thought to myself, wow, she’s really kind, like an angel!"

This cross-national friendship was strengthened by a cup of milk tea. Pegula revealed that besides buying her milk tea in Beijing, Yuan Yue also introduced her to many aspects of Chinese culture. But what left the deepest impression was this small act of kindness, which made her feel very warm. The friendship formed off the court between the two players has become a wonderful example of cultural exchange between East and West in sports.

Pegula shared on social media about her final moments in China — enjoying lots of milk tea and admiring the flower fields at Erfei Villa. However, this tennis star has her own taste preferences: "I don’t like too much sugar because it’s too sweet for me."

Pegula’s affection for milk tea sparked enthusiastic reactions online. Some netizens saw it as a beautiful "cultural exchange," others suggested that Chinese cultural tourism should reward Yuan Yue for this strong "cultural export," and some even called this simple "milk tea friendship" a form of "milk tea diplomacy," believing that such diverse cultural exchanges deepen relations between the two countries.

“I never expected Pegula to be a milk tea fan! Now the only difference between her and me is she can play tennis and I can’t,” joked a Chinese netizen on social media.

Another commenter said, “This is true cultural exchange — starting with a cup of milk tea. Hope Yuan Yue and Pegula’s friendship lasts forever!” Others humorously remarked, “It seems milk tea is the real international language; maybe next time it should replace alcohol at diplomatic events.”

American netizens also joined the discussion: “Jessica has made milk tea popular again in the U.S. Now when I go to milk tea shops, I hear people talking about her interview!”

A European sports commentator stated, “This warm interaction off the court demonstrates another value of sports — promoting cross-cultural communication. A simple cup of milk tea not only satisfies the palate but also builds a bridge of friendship. Pegula and Yuan Yue’s story proves that beyond competition, athletes can form genuine friendships.”

As Pegula bids farewell to China, her luggage may not contain trophies, but it surely holds memories of milk tea and deep affection for her Chinese friends. This story born from milk tea will be a beautiful footnote in sports cultural exchange, and we look forward to her next visit to China, where she can once again enjoy her beloved milk tea and continue this sweet connection.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Lu Xiaotian)