‘Earned My Stripes’- Jessica Pegula’s Unapologetic Response on Using the Privilege From a Billionaire Father

The US Open is currently going in full swing. Bidding farewell to Serena Williams was difficult, but it was expected by many. Despite one of the legends of the sport retiring, the American faithful have several players to cheer for in the ongoing tournament. On such player is Jessica Pegula, who has reached the fourth round of the hard-court major. In a recent interview, the American talked about aspects of her life that often get highlighted instead of her on-court performances.

Despite coming from a privileged background, the American player has shown resilience to rise in the realm of tennis. A billionaire’s daughter, Pegula, is striving to claim her position in tennis when she could be doing anything in the world.

Father’s billionaire status does not mild down the zeal of Jessica Pegula 

The World No.8’s father Terry Pegula, an oil and gas magnate, is worth billions. Her father and her mother, Kim Pegula, had bought the NFL team Buffalo Bills in 2014. Their daughter, however, endured a tough season as she battled various injuries in 2014 and then again in 2017. She was not able to get back on the court in her best form. Her mother said, “I remember thinking, ‘Why would she want to keep doing this?'”

Both the parents of the player had a rough start to their careers and Pegula herself wants to inculcate these values in herself. Hence, she never gave in thinking that her rich parents could back her up. She said, “I have never wanted people to think I was given things. I think I have definitely earned my stripes in the tennis world.” She expressed her love for the sport and why she wants to do it.

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She further added, “And I love to play. Why would I give up the opportunity to do something great, something I love when lots of people don’t get the chance?” 

Can Pegula win her first grand slam?

Pegula is the top-ranked female tennis player in America right now. Her performance in 2022 has been great as the player reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open as well as the French Open. She also reached the finals of the Madrid Open. However, she is yet to clinch a title this year.

She will now face the two-time grand slam winner Petra Kvitova in the fourth round. Do you think Pegula can move ahead and win her first grand slam at the US Open in 2022?

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