"So many people dismissed her as some rich girl trying to buy her way in - Billionaire tennis star Jessica Pegula displays resiliency during 2024 season

American tennis player Jessica Pegula silenced all doubters after making a run to her maiden US Open singles final this year, as the affluent tennis star continues to prove that she belongs among the best players on the WTA Tour.

A daughter to billionaires Terry and Kim Pegula, the former World No.3 has never relied on her family's abundant wealth to move ahead in the tennis community. Pegula broke through in 2021 after toiling on the WTA circuit for numerous year, and has been a permanent fixture in the top 5 rankings ever since.

The 30-year old has become a common fixture in the later rounds of almost every tournament, stunning the tennis world when she finished runner-up at last year's WTA Finals. Although she is in a situation where people will constantly accuse her of having an advantage due to her financial status, Luke Russert, host and Creative Director of MSNBC Live, believes otherwise.

“I think she’s incredibly resilient,” said Russert. “So many people dismissed her out the gate as some rich girl trying to buy her way in. Which on its grounds is a flawed and foolish argument. You can have the best coaching in the world; your coach can’t return a 120 mph serve in the US Open final.
"Jess has persevered and become a star of women’s tennis. She continues to be self-deprecating, calm, cool and collected. She really is a role model for maintaining composure at the highest levels—professionally and personally. That counts for a lot these days, when most everyone has a grievance that is magnified on social media. It’s impressive she has never grown bitter, especially after what happened with her mom."