The debate about wealth and privilege in tennis is still on. And it involves two players, Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro. They are not only rising stars who have built their reputation through hard work and skill, but they are also daughters of billionaires, which often sparks the debate about privilege. This combination of talent and privilege has led to some criticism and debate within the tennis community. And it seems like Rennae Stubbs has had enough of it.

In the latest episode of her podcast on September 16, Stubbs received a question about how much money it takes to become a successful American tennis player. She saw this as a dig and emphasized that it requires immense passion and training to reach that level, regardless of financial background. “You do not get into the top 10 because you’re a daughter of a billionaire. Okay, it doesn’t f**king happen. Okay? You have to actually put in the work to be in the top 10 in the world. And you won’t see Emma Navara and Jess Pegula like off, you know, having a drink at a local pub the night before their match,” Stubbs said.

Stubbs had addressed this issue a week back on her X account as well, as she wrote, “One thing i want to address that i didn’t on my pod today. 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!”

Stubbs is of the view that both Pegula and Navarro have demonstrated immense commitment and perseverance to reach their current standings in the WTA rankings. Their recent performances, including Pegula’s run to the 2024 US Open final and Navarro’s breakthrough into the top 10, showcase their abilities as players. However, their wealthy backgrounds have also drawn scrutiny, with some questioning whether their success is more a result of their family resources than their own efforts.

Both Pegula and Navarro have acknowledged their privileged backgrounds but have also emphasized their commitment to the sport. Pegula has expressed her frustration with assumptions about her lifestyle, humorously noting that people think she lives extravagantly when in reality she leads a more grounded life.

Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro, being the daughters of billionaires Terry Pegula and Ben Navarro respectively, have access to top-tier coaching and training facilities. This financial advantage provides them with opportunities that many aspiring players can only dream of. Their backgrounds also allow them to benefit from resources that can significantly enhance their development in the sport. All that is true, but their rise to the top would still not have been possible without their own hard work.

“I was around a lot of wealthy kids who had talent, who’d never made it because they were lazy, yeah, and I would actually say super talented people that were poor and they didn’t make it because they were lazy. That’s what it comes down to.” Stubbs further added.

Stubbs is, however, not the only one defending Pegula and Navarro. Even Serena’s childhood coach Rick Macci and the Canadian pro Eugenie Bouchard believe that it’s not because of their wealth that Pegula and Navarro have risen to the top.

Rick Macci and Eugenie Bouchard echo Rennae Stubbs’ thoughts

It’s the relentless effort that ultimately shapes champions and Pegula and Navarro have been relentless in their pursuit of excellence. Echoing that thought, Rick Macci wrote on X, “Pegula and Navarro being world-class has ZERO to do with the ZEROS their parents have supported them with.”

Eugenie Bouchard has also spoken out against the criticism directed at Pegula, questioning why she receives so much hate simply because of her affluent background. Bouchard described Pegula as a down-to-earth and fun-loving person, asserting that her success is a result of her hard work rather than her family’s wealth.

As the debate surrounding the role of wealth in tennis continues, it’s important to understand that while financial backing can provide valuable opportunities, it’s ultimately the dedication and hard work that define success in the sport. The stories of Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro serve as powerful reminders that talent must be coupled with relentless effort to truly excel in such a competitive environment.