Jessica Pegula aims to debunk nepo baby claims after World's Richest Tennis Player tag: "But that didn't happen until I was 17 or 18"
WTAMonday, 15 January 2024 at 21:48
Jessica
Pegula revealed in the new season of Break Point that despite being part of a
wealthy family, this did not happen until she was older. The American is the
daughter of magnate Terry Pegula, who is in the oil business and owns the
Buffalo Bills in the NFL and the Buffalo Sabres in the NHL.
Pegula
opened up about being labeled as the richest tennis player in the world and
acknowledged that many people think she was handed everything easily to be in
the top of the tennis world: “My dad wasn’t born with a lot of money,” world
No. 3 said.
“Some people get this image that it’s really easy for me” – Jessica Pegula
Her mother,
Kim Pegula, is the CEO of Pegula Sports and Entertainment, and President of
both the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres, but she was not always wealthy: “My
mom was left on a doorstep and adopted from South Korea. I guess it was kind of
the American Dream.”
“Some
people get this image that it’s really easy for me, because my dad’s very
wealthy, but that didn’t happen until I was 17 or 18. I was a later bloomer --
definitely a late bloomer.”
The
29-year-old American finished in the top 5 for the second consecutive year in
2023. While experiencing a great moment on the court in 2022, Pegula faced a
tough period in mid-year when her mother was hospitalized in Florida due to a
cardiac arrest after a 'brain injury' and suffered 'significant memory issues.
“She’s a
great fighter. I always feel like this is her biggest thing she taught me. If
she’s home, fighting through what she went through, I can deal with going to
play a tennis tournament,” Pegula added.
Pegula’s next goal
he
29-year-old tennis player met with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and
head coach Sean McDermott in the Netflix Break Point episode and addressed the
entire team: 'I want to win a Grand Slam,' she tells them. 'You want to win a
Super Bowl. Trying to be great is hard. If it was easy, everybody would do it,'
said the current world No. 5.
Pegula has
reached the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam six times in her career but has yet
to break through to the final four of a major. Her journey begins on Tuesday,
January 16, when she faces Canadian Rebecca Marino at the Margaret Court Arena.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 35visitors 1
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- WOW !!! Her comebacks have been intense. She's Baaaaack!
mandoist08-09-2026 - Don't lay this shitshow on "Americans". It is a long-running Ego trip with WTA allowing these two Elitists 'in need of a Camera' illicit Wildcards. If these two clowns want to "perform" -- then play the qualies.mandoist08-09-2026
- Here we go again…. Different rules for Americans! Especially THESE Americans. Yuck!DaveyWavey07-09-2026
- It almost feels like they’re on their own “Legacy Tour” by playing these events … but losing each one! No press = $$$ fineDaveyWavey07-09-2026
- Love to listen to Mirra. However, I'm worried about her eyesight if she thinks oversized lips is "pretty".mandoist06-09-2026
- One of the most amazing comebacks in a long, long time. It happens (and Keys shouldn't lose her crackers over this). If Madison starts playing Dress-up and walking out on court like some fantasy character with a Mental Problem... then she should really start worrying!mandoist06-09-2026
- STOP the "Look at Me" Tour now... and forever!!mandoist05-09-2026
- This article is SPOT ON!!!Rapunzel04-09-2026
- This article is SPOT ON!!!Rapunzel04-09-2026
- Is there no one in Pro Tennis willing to give this one some form of intervention before she crashes??mandoist04-09-2026
Loading
