The debate over Jessica Pegula's family's wealth has not stopped since her heartbreaking loss in the U.S. Open final on Saturday.
Two days after the 30-year-old American tennis star lost in straight sets to Aryna Sabalenka in the championship, Canadian athlete Eugenie Bouchard had a bizarre response to a post by X praising Pegula, the daughter of billionaire Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula, after speculation about her privileged lifestyle sparked discussion during Pegula's tournament run.
“I don't get why people are hating on Jessica Pegula because she's a 'daughter' and comes from a wealthy family. She seems like a down to earth fun person and has worked hard to climb the rankings, just like all the other players” X user @backhandology_ Posted on Saturday“Talent and work ethic can't be bought.”
Bouchard, who reached the Wimbledon finals in 2014 and switched to pickleball earlier this year, Reply“Money can't buy you the US Open final (laughs).”
Unsurprisingly, the Canadian's message raised some eyebrows at the podium.
“In fact, I think that's even more impressive because she has billions of dollars to spare so her motivation to succeed is less urgent.” X users 1 reply Pegula is ranked third in the world.
“No, but if you have talent you can. That's why Pegula made it to the finals.” Another person answered To Mr. Bouchard (age 30).
Saturday's Grand Slam final was Pegula's first career final, having reached the quarterfinals at the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon over the past few years.
The Belarus-born Sabalenka, runner-up to last year's champion Coco Gauff, defeated Pegula 7-5, 7-5.
Ahead of Saturday's highly anticipated matchup, Pegula spoke at length about the perceptions some people may have about her upbringing.
“I was interviewed by the media the other day, and they asked me, 'What's the most annoying thing?'” Pegula said last week. After her win over Russia's Diana Schneider in the fourth round.
“People think I have a butler and I'm chauffeured around. They think I have a private limousine and I fly everywhere in a private jet. But I'm definitely not that kind of person. People are free to think what they want. I don't know. I just think it's kind of funny.”
Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula has a net worth of $7.7 billion. According to Forbes.
