"Money can't buy US Open final" - Eugenie Bouchard on Jessica Pegula coming under criticism for billionaire status
Eugenie Bouchard recently commented on the criticism Jessica Pegula faced regarding her billionaire status after losing the final of the 2024 US Open. The American was defeated by World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka.
It was a bittersweet moment for American tennis fans as both Jessica Pegula and Taylor Fritz reached the finals in the women's and men's singles at the 2024 US Open. However, their hopes were dashed when the former lost 5-7, 5-7 to Sabalenka on September 7, followed by the latter's 3-6, 4-6, 5-7 defeat to Jannik Sinner the next day.
After that, Pegula, whose parents Terry and Kim are billionaires and owners of multiple professional sports teams, including the Buffalo Bills, faced criticism over her wealth. One X (formerly Twitter) account expressed confusion, questioning why the 30-year-old was mistreated because of her background.
"I don't get why Jessica Pegula gets hated because she is 'the daughter of' and comes from a wealthy family. She seems like a down-to-earth and fun person and worked her a** off to climb in the rankings. Just like EVERY PLAYER. You can't buy talent and work ethic," the account wrote.
Eugenie Bouchard replied to the tweet, writing:
"Money can’t buy a US Open final lol."
Jessica Pegula pays tribute to family and coaches for "supporting" her following US Open final heartbreak
Jessica Pegula had a memorable summer. She successfully defended her title at the Canadian Open and secured a runner-up finish in Cincinnati before entering the US Open.
The American was in top form at Flushing Meadows, cruising past Shelby Rogers, Sofia Kenin, Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, Diana Shnaider, World No. 1 Iga Swiatek, and Karolina Muchova. She didn’t drop a set until her hard-fought semifinal victory over Muchova and fell to Aryna Sabalenka in the final.
During her runner-up speech, Pegula paid tribute to her family and team for "supporting" her throughout her journey, saying:
"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."
"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," she added.
The 30-year-old continued:
"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."
Jessica Pegula climbed to a career-best World No. 3 in the rankings following her exploits in New York. She now trails only Sabalenka and Swiatek in the global standings.