Jessica Pegula has received strong backing from her mother, Kim Pegula, to handle the pressure at the Australian Open, as the world’s wealthiest tennis player sets her sights on capturing her first Grand Slam title. After defeating Maya Joint in her first-round match, Pegula is one of the top contenders in Melbourne.
Ranked world number seven, Pegula is in her best position yet to claim a major title, having reached the quarter-finals in Australia three times and made her first Grand Slam final at the US Open last year. Despite her billionaire father, Terry Pegula, owning the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, Jessica’s path to tennis success has been anything but easy.
Pegula, who stands to inherit a share of her father’s £6.2 billion fortune, has defied assumptions that her wealth would smooth her career. Instead, she’s demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination, traits typically associated with those less financially fortunate on the tour.
Early in her career, Pegula struggled with injuries and had just one Grand Slam victory in her first decade. Despite the challenges, she persevered, where many in her position might have chosen an easier route.
Kim Pegula revealed to ESPN that her daughter’s dedication to tennis initially surprised her. “I remember thinking, ‘Why would she keep doing this? She doesn’t have to,'” Kim said. “But she loves the sport and she’s truly doing it for herself.”
That dedication paid off when Pegula earned her second Grand Slam match win at age 26, and since then, she’s consistently reached quarter-finals, including defeating World No.1 Iga Swiatek on her way to the US Open final.
Reflecting on her journey, Pegula said, “I’ve always thought I had the game,” but added, “Getting over the mental hurdle gave me the confidence to reach the next level.”
