Eugenie Bouchard has aimed at a dig at fellow former Grand Slam finalist Jessica Pegula after the American was defeated by Aryna Sabalenka in the final of the 2024 US Open.
Pegula was in superb form during this past fortnight and was defeated 7-5, 7-5 in the final leaving her crestfallen. But she is now top three in the world and the top American suddenly.
But she has often faced criticism in sections of the media and also by fans due to her parents wealth. Often called the world's richest tennis player or a billionaire in reports, Pegula is the daughter of Terry Pegula. An oil magnate who owns the Buffalo Bills NFL franchise.
Not born into wealth as such, it has not given Pegula any semblance of a leg up in what is already a rich sport. But her and Emma Navarro were subject to criticism during the tournament which puzzled some. Especially given Pegula's humble nature and also videos of her taking the subway to get to practice.
Originally the user in question @backhandology_ tweeted in support of Pegula saying that they don't get why she gets so much hate because of her parents wealth. “I don't get why Jessica Pegula gets hated because she is ‘the daughter of’ and comes from a wealthy family.
“She seems like a down to earth and fun person and worked her a** off to climb in the rankings. Just like EVERY PLAYER. You can't buy talent and work ethic.”
But Bouchard couldn't resist the chance to aim a dig at Pegula and took a different tact. “Money can’t buy a US Open final lol," she wrote.
The Canadian though was criticised for this take. "Changing your career to pickleball or padel doesn’t make you successful. Just makes you a bigger loser…" one user wrote.
Money can’t buy a US Open final lol
I don't get why Jessica Pegula gets hated because she is "the daughter of" and comes from a wealthy family. She seems like a down to earth and fun person and worked her ass off to climb in the rankings. Just like EVERY PLAYER. You can't buy talent and work ethic.
