"Jessica Pegula achieved a Grand Slam final because of hard work, not money": Eugenie Bouchard clears air after fans misunderstand her US Open comment
Jessica Pegula has reacted heartwarmingly to Eugenie Bouchard clearing the air on her take on the American's run to the final of the 2024 US Open. Bouchard's brief take seemed to rub several people the wrong way, with the perception being that the Canadian had taken an undue swipe at the American.
Pegula reached the maiden Grand Slam final of her career at this year's edition of the US Open. The World No. 3 (new official WTA Tour singles ranking following the conclusion of the US Open) reached the final after beating Shelby Rogers, Sofia Kenin, Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, Diana Shnaider, Iga Swiatek and Karolina Muchova.
However, despite showing glimpses of her grit, Pegula ultimately fell short in the final, losing 5-7, 5-7 to World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka. In the aftermath of the American's loss, an X user opined that the hate that often comes her way because of her family's riches is unwarranted. According to the user, the World No. 3 had to work hard to become the tennis player she is today.
Eugenie Bouchard, a former World No. 5, shared the user's post with the caption:
"Money can’t buy a US Open final lol"
However, this led to the Canadian being criticized over what many perceived to be a swipe at Pegula. Recently, Bouchard took to X again and responded to one of the users who assumed that the Canadian's initial take was a jibe directed at the American.
Bouchard rued that her words were taken out of context and lauded Pegula for her run to the 2024 US Open women's singles final. Genie also hinted at the possibility of her "leaving" X because of users misconstruing her words.
"Literally how? I’m complimenting her, she achieved a GS finals bc of hard work, dedication, etc. not bc of money. You can’t buy your way thru the us open draw. She’s amazing. Leaving this app," Bouchard wrote.
Pegula took notice of Eugenie Bouchard's post and reacted to it with a virtual handmade heart emoji.
The US Open final loss marked the end of Grand Slam outings for Pegula this season. Despite the final defeat, it was the best finish that the American mustered at Majors this year.
Jessica Pegula's US Open 2024 runner-up finish was a saving grace for her
The 2024 Australian Open marked Pegula's first Grand Slam appearance of the season. However, the No. 5 seed's campaign did not last long. While she comfortably dispatched qualifier Rebecca Marino in the first round, she was ousted in the very next round by unseeded Clara Burel.
The American was forced to sit out the French Open due to injury and fitness issues but returned in time for the Wimbledon Championships. Once again, she made a fine start by comfortably defeating compatriot Ashlyn Krueger in the first round, but China's Wang Xinyu stunned the American in the second round.
Pegula's run to the final at Flushing Meadows has helped her climb up the WTA Tour rankings. The American was World No. 6 previously but now finds herself three places higher at World No. 3, where compatriot and 2023 US Open winner Coco Gauff was earlier placed.