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topicnews · September 6, 2024

Billionaire’s daughter experienced dramatic turnaround at the US Open

Billionaire’s daughter experienced dramatic turnaround at the US Open

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Jessica Pegula experienced a dramatic turnaround in the semifinals of the US Open and in her entire tennis career. The American is the daughter of one of the richest people in the world.

New York – It was a match that will go down in tennis history. Jessica Pegula, whose family owns a billion-dollar sports empire, qualified for the final of the US Open (here live on TV and stream) with an impressive comeback win against Karolina Muchova. After a difficult start with a 1:6 in the first set, she fought back and won the next sets 6:4 and 6:2.

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Pegula was overwhelmed with emotion as she looked at her family in the stands after the match. Tears of joy and relief were visible as she realized her “childhood dream.” “The title would mean the world to me,” she said, visibly moved by the support of her family, who were cheering her on in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Her father, Terrence Pegula, a well-known billionaire and sports team owner, was visibly moved by his daughter’s performance. The 73-year-old made his billion-dollar fortune in oil and gas and, with his wife Kim, owns a sports empire with the NFL team Buffalo Bills and the NHL team Buffalo Sabres. His additional presence along with other relatives seemed to give Jessica strength. “I’m so glad I can share this moment with them,” she said after the game.

Tennis ace Jessica Pegula is facing a decisive turning point in her career at the US Open. © Larry Marano/Imago

Billionaire’s daughter experienced dramatic turnaround at the US Open

Despite the enormous family wealth – her father Terrence Pegula is one of the 400 richest people in the world according to Forbes – Jessica Pegula has never rested on her laurels. Her career is the result of hard work and determination, far from the comforts that her family’s wealth could provide.

Despite her related background, Pegula has repeatedly had to overcome criticism and skepticism. Many see her as just the “billionaire’s daughter”, but Pegula has proven herself to be a serious competitor on the court. On her own serve, the world number six was already 1:6, 0:2 and 30:40 behind, but fought brilliantly back into the now high-class game and turned the party around. At the start of the US Open, a German tennis drama also took a turn – through a call to the referee.

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Public scepticism because of her background has always been a thorn in Pegula’s side. She has fought vehemently against the cliché that she has had it easier in her career. “That people think I have a butler, that I am chauffeured around, that I have a private limousine,” Pegula stressed during the tournament. “That’s definitely not who I am.” She presented herself as a down-to-earth and independent athlete who takes the subway to games and has fought hard for her success.

Her path to the final is also a response to critical voices who claim that she cannot “buy” sporting success. Her performances in New York speak volumes against such prejudices. The favorite Aryna Sabalenka is now waiting in the US Open final on the night of Saturday to Sunday. Pegula is the oldest American in the era of professional tennis since 1968 to reach a Grand Slam final for the first time. And she will do her part to make it a historic doubles success. In the men’s competition, too, it was clear before Taylor Fritz’s semi-final against Frances Tiafoe that a local hero would reach the final. (ck)