"Stop with the narratives out there that because they’re wealthy, they got there. That’s nonsense and I won’t hear it!": Rennae Stubbs not happy with 'nonsense' narrative surrounding Pegula and Navarro success
WTA
Amid Eugenie Bouchard's comment and also many reports merely referring to Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro as a billionaire, Rennae Stubbs has hit out at the narrative surrounding both top Americans.
Pegula is the daughter of oil magnate Terry Pegula who also owns the Buffalo Bills and often isn't even called by her own name. Merely referred to by members of the media as the world's richest tennis player.
While a light has also been shone on Emma Navarro, son of banker Ben Navarro who also runs the Charleston Open. But both have shown themselves to be humble amid perceived backing from the background albeit this has often been unfounded.
Stubbs said that there is no way a player can buy their way either to a top 10 in Navarro's case or in Pegula's case a major final and called the constant narrative surrounding both 'nonsense'. She said that it mainly surrounds their work ethic and nothing else surrounding money.
"You can’t buy your way to the top 10 or a major final without an extraordinary amount of hard work on the tennis court, in the gym and having mental fortitude and guts!" wrote Stubbs on social media.
"Anyone who thinks because someone comes from money guarantees success, has no clue! Venus & Serena came from nothing but they worked theirs asses off to be great. Jess & Emma worked the same amount on court and off too. Were they better off, yes, does it help u WIN, NO!
"Being rich doesn’t make u a better tennis player, because in the end, it’s about the work YOU PUT INTO IT!! And u could argue, why? Why put yourself thru all that when u don’t need the money. I have so much respect for them, because THEY HAVE EARNED IT! By working their asses off."
"So stop with the narratives out there that because they’re wealthy, they got there. That’s nonsense and I won’t hear it! I see what it takes to be that good in this tennis world and to win at this level and what they've achieved is purely because of THEIR WORK ETHIC! Period!"
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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