Jessica Pegula, one of America’s most polarizing tennis figures lashed out at her haters for questioning her love for the game. She also disregarded her advantages coming from a wealthy family background.
The American tennis star has garnered the attention of a lot of tennis fans over the years with her incredible skills and shot-making abilities. However, some people have shown her the thumbs-down too, and have questioned her credibility as an athlete and sportster. These hat swings have risen from the ultrarich family background of Jessica.
Pegula’s family is quite renowned in the sports community, and it is not just because of her. Her dad, Terrence Michael Pegula, ‘Terry Pegula’ is the owner of the NFL franchise Buffalo Bills and NHL team Buffalo Sabres. Her mom, Kim Pegula is the CEO of Pegula Sports and Entertainment and a co-owner of those franchises.
In an interview with American magazine, Forbes, Pegula addressed her doubters bringing up her family to discredit her achievements in the sport.
“Your parents own the Buffalo Bills & Buffalo Sabres. I know over the years people have maybe questioned whether someone with that kind of background can have the fire to succeed as a pro tennis player. What are your thoughts on that?”, Pegula was questioned on her wealthy upbringing.
She supported her argument by saying that tennis, like any other sport, is ultra-competitive and that no one can achieve the highest levels without being competitive and driven.
Am I supposed to feel bad for her? Jessica Pegula's lack of self awareness is unbelievable. Girl is a literal billionaire, no question her money helped her get where she is. Just admit it and move on. pic.twitter.com/ppgCuPQQy3
— Philip T Boosey (@PhilipTBoosey) January 18, 2024
“I think everyone who knows sports or is an athlete, or is highly competitive or made it very far knows you’re not gonna get there unless you work hard & are talented & are really driven to get there. It’s really difficult.”
The American WTA star further added that she could be least bothered to change the opinions of what some people think.
“People say that, but I think everyone who knows kind of knows it’s not gonna happen unless someone’s really a hard worker & driven. I don’t worry too much about it. I think most people get that. Maybe some people who just don’t want to like me for whatever reason maybe will always say that. But I can’t really change their minds. I’ve worked really hard. I definitely wouldn’t have got here if it wasn’t for that.”
One such bad example of fans doubting her capabilities and going for the ‘You’re rich, you have it easy’ take can be found in the tweet below.
“I was uncontrollably crying in the locker room,” Jessica Pegula opens on her mother’s health incident
Jessica Pegula addressed the mental struggles she went through while dealing with her mom’s health concerns.
In a player article written in the Players’ Tribune, Pegula opened up on her reaction to hearing the news of her mother’s health issues. She reveals that it was a dark space for her where she would often lose control of her emotions and be in tears thinking of her mother, Kim.
She captures an incident before her first WTA 1000 title win in Guadalajara where more than ever, she was lost in thoughts for her mother.
“Before the finals, I was uncontrollably crying in the locker room, I am not a big crier, but I cried. It wasn’t even sad tears, it was almost happy, because I just had this feeling I was going to win.”
She recalls dedicating her title acceptance speech to her mom.
“In my acceptance speech I dedicated it to my mom. I wanted her to know that even after a terrible six months, I still fought every day because of her. If she could fight through what she was going through, I could too.”
