"Cringe, saying the daughter of a billionaire has a 'blue-collar work ethic'": Fans vexed by Chris Fowler's 'out of touch' remark about Jessica Pegula
American commentator Chris Fowler has come under fire from tennis fans for suggesting that Jessica Pegula has a "blue-collar work ethic." Fowler made the controversial remark during Pegula's blockbuster clash against Aryna Sabalenka in the 2024 US Open final.
Sabalenka thwarted Pegula's aspirations of clinching her maiden Major title at her home Slam. Although the American had an opportunity to serve for the second set and force a decider after losing the opener, the World No. 2 raised her level to claim a hard-fought 7-5, 7-5 victory and secure her third Grand Slam title.
In addition to the riveting contest, the match also drew attention for the controversial commentary team. While Chris Evert faced backlash for her "misinformed" and "unprofessional" remarks," Chris Fowler sparked outrage with his comment about Jessica Pegula.
During the match, Fowler claimed that Pegula had a "blue-collar work ethic." The comment was seen as contradictory to the 30-year-old's background as the daughter of Terry and Kim Pegula, who own the NFL team Buffalo Bills and the NHL outfit Bufallo Sabres, with Terry having a net worth of $7.7 billion.
Given Pegula's privileged background with "unlimited resources," fans lambasted Chris Fowler for his remark, arguing that this narrative seemed to stem only from her documenting her subway commute to the US Open.
"Side note: Chris Fowler saying Pegula has a "blue collar work ethic" made me choke like what," one fan commented.
"Yeah, I was rooting for Jessica Pegula but that made me cringe. Like you can just say she’s hardworking without specifically saying that the daughter of a billionaire with unlimited resources and safety net has a "blue collar work ethic,"" another fan chimed in.
"Score aside and put this “Jessica Pegula rides the subway” narrative away 😭😭😭 “blue collar work ethic” she’s a BILLIONAIRE her dad OWNS THE BILLS 😭😭😭😭😭," a fan wrote.
"Fowler saying Pegula has a "blue-collar work ethic"...," said yet another.
Fans couldn't contain their disbelief at Fowler's "out of touch" comment, with one fan contending that only someone unfamiliar with the realities of blue-collar life would make such a statement about Jessica Pegula.
"Highlight of the match was the hilariously out of touch Evert and Fowler praising Pegula for ... drum roll ... sometimes riding the subway, sometimes traveling without her family for tournaments and sometimes even walking around NYC without a team of bodyguards! Fowler even went as far as to say Pegula had a "working-class" work ethic lmao," one fan posted.
"Chris fowler saying jessie pegula has a “blue collar” work ethic IJBOL," another fan wrote.
"Something only somebody who knows nothing about blue-collar life could say," a fan remarked.
"They’re so hellbent on praising their wealth and work ethic. It’s incredibly obtuse and dumb," said another.
"My parents are also somewhere here... thank you guys so much" - Jessica Pegula expresses gratitude after US Open final loss
Following her loss in the 2024 US Open final, Jessica Pegula extended her heartfelt gratitude to her team for all their efforts during the "crazy" season. She also acknowledged her husband Taylor, as well as her brother and sister for their support.
"Thank you guys over there in my box. Thanks to both my coaches, Mark and Mark, Seb on my physio, John, my trainer, my brother, sister, agent, husband, everybody that's in the box today," Jessica Pegula said during the
"Thank you guys so much for supporting me over the last, you know, well, forever. But also the last couple weeks in the last month, it's been crazy," she added.
Furthermore, the American gave a shout out to her parents, Terry and Kim Pegula, for cheering her on in the final, highlighting the "amazing" support she received at her home Slam.
"And also too, I think my parents are also somewhere here. I have lots of friends and family that just came in to watch that are all kind of scattered around. I don't really know where they are. Thank you guys so much for coming and supporting me, I mean, it's been a long journey. So to, to be able to have your support here in the US, at my home slam is amazing. Thank you," Pegula said.
Although Jessica Pegula fell short of clinching the US Open title, her impressive run at Flushing Meadows will see her return to her career-high ranking of World No. 3 and also claim the fifth spot in the Race to the WTA Finals.