Jessica Pegula fires back at media speculation over her drive to win, despite her family's wealth. The British newspaper, The Times, raised doubts about her hunger for grand slam victories in light of her billionaire family background. However, Pegula, who lost in the Wimbledon quarterfinals, didn't hold back in her response.
In a tweet, she made her stance clear, saying: "I'll tell you what I won't buy is this [trash] article," accompanied by a laughing emoji. The Times' headline, "Six quarter-finals, six defeats: Jessica Pegula needs dynamic that family billions can't buy," prompted her candid response. Her parents, Terry and Kim Pegula, who own the Buffalo Bills and Sabres, have a net worth of $6.7 billion, according to Forbes.
The article theorized that Pegula's financial security might hinder her hunger for victory. It questioned what drives her and whether defeat holds little meaning when wealth isn't at stake. It also highlighted her ventures outside of tennis, including a skincare brand and a health food restaurant chain that closed down in 2016. The Times contrasted this with the traditional narrative of tennis players driven by escaping poverty or representing their nation.
Pegula has faced personal challenges
However, it's worth noting that Pegula has faced personal challenges beyond her family's wealth. Her mother, Kim Pegula, underwent a difficult recovery after suffering cardiac arrest last June. Pegula shared her mother's harrowing medical emergency in an article for the Players Tribune earlier this year.
Despite the media scrutiny, Pegula's achievements in reaching the quarterfinals of multiple grand slam tournaments shouldn't be overshadowed. Her determination and resilience on the court have propelled her to those stages of competition.
The speculation surrounding her drive serves as a reminder that athletes face both external and internal pressures, and their personal journeys are more complex than surface-level assumptions suggest.
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In a tweet, she made her stance clear, saying: "I'll tell you what I won't buy is this [trash] article," accompanied by a laughing emoji. The Times' headline, "Six quarter-finals, six defeats: Jessica Pegula needs dynamic that family billions can't buy," prompted her candid response.
Where does Jessica Pegula get her wealth from? ›
Jessica Pegula's fortune stems from her family's fortune, as well as her own professional tennis career. The net worth of Jessica Pegula is estimated to be $12 million as of 2024.
What is Jessica Pegula ethnicity? ›
Early life. Pegula was born in Buffalo, New York to Terry and Kim Pegula, the owners of the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League and the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League. She is of Korean descent, as her mother was born in Seoul.
Which female tennis player's father is a billionaire? ›
One episode hones in on the one and only Jessica Pegula, a 29-year-old tennis star who has a world No. 1 ranking in doubles, and also happens to be the daughter of billionaires. In fact, Jessica has been dubbed the “richest tennis player in the world,” but she's said she would trade all her wealth to win Wimbledon.
How much money does Terry Pegula have? ›
The Pegulas, who made their fortune in the natural gas industry, have a reported net worth of $6.8 billion. They purchased the Bills for a then-NFL record $1.4 billion in 2014. Last year, Forbes listed the Bills as being valued at $3.7 billion.
Which tennis player is an heiress? ›
Jessica Pegula's tennis career
The billionaire heiress is a professional tennis player with a career-high WTA singles ranking of number three in the world. She achieved this incredible ranking in 2022 after her smashing performance in the Australia Open where she was a quarterfinalist.
How did Terry Pegula become a billionaire? ›
He made his fortune from East Resources, a natural gas producer he founded in 1983 that acquired leases in the Marcellus and Niobrara shale formations. He sold most of the company in 2010 to Royal Dutch Shell for $4.7 billion.
Is Pegula Republican? ›
Though Pegula has been identified as a Republican, he does not speak publicly about his specific political views.
Why did Jessica Pegula split with David Witt? ›
Pegula, who is making her return to action in San Diego this week after being out of action since the Australian Open, says the split with Witt “naturally happened”. “I just felt like I needed something different,” she said.
Why is Jessica Pegula worth so much? ›
Jessica brings in plenty of cash from her endorsem*nt deals, which include Adidas, Yonex, Ready Nutrition, per Forbes. She's also founder of the cruelty- and paraben-free skincare company Ready 24, as well as the non-profit A Lending Paw, which supports dog rescues.
In conclusion, Jessica Pegula attended the University of Pittsburgh, where she had an impressive college tennis career. Her success in college helped set the foundation for her future as a professional player and allowed her to develop the necessary skills to compete at the highest level.
Do Jessica Pegula's parents own the Buffalo Bills? ›
Terry and Kim own the NFL's Buffalo Bills and *also* the Buffalo Sabres, an NHL team. The couple bought the Sabres in 2011 for $189 million, and in 2014, outbid groups led by Donald Trump and Jon Bon Jovi to snag the Bills for $1.4 billion, according to Forbes.
Who is the richest female tennis player ever? ›
One of the most decorated tennis players of all time, 23-time major champion Serena Williams is the highest-paid female tennis player with $94.8 million in total career earnings. Williams retired in 2022, but remains a prominent figure in the tennis community.
Where do the pegulas live? ›
Personal life. Kim and Terry Pegula have three children, Kelly, Matthew, and Jessica, who is a professional tennis player. Kim has two stepchildren, Michael and Laura, from Terry's previous marriage. The Pegulas have homes in East Aurora, New York, and Boca Raton, Florida.
Why is Pegula selling part of the Bills? ›
Both of the franchises have increased in value significantly over the last decade, but the report indicates that Pegula may sell a portion of the Bills since he is solely responsible for any cost overruns on the new football stadium in Orchard Park, NY, which received $850 million in funding from the state of New York ...
Does Terry Pegula own a yacht? ›
The luxury yacht's owner is US billionaire Terry Pegula. He named the yacht after his 5 children. Terry Pegula is an American billionaire businessman and sports team owner. He is the owner of the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL) and the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League (NHL).
How did Kim Pegula get rich? ›
Pegula was involved in her husband's company, East Resources, from 1991 to its sale in 2010. Shortly afterwards, the Pegulas purchased the Buffalo Sabres and its two affiliated teams, the Buffalo Bandits of the NLL and the Rochester Americans of the AHL.
How rich is Jessica Pegula's father? ›
The Times' headline, "Six quarter-finals, six defeats: Jessica Pegula needs dynamic that family billions can't buy," prompted her candid response. Her parents, Terry and Kim Pegula, who own the Buffalo Bills and Sabres, have a net worth of $6.7 billion, according to Forbes.
What does Michael Pegula do for a living? ›
Michael Pegula - Professional Profile, Photos on Backstage - Hockey Coach/gym Owner.
Which tennis star is married to a billionaire? ›
Former tennis ace Monica Seles is set to walk down the aisle after becoming engaged to her boyfriend of five years, businessman Thomas Golisano.
