"Told me his daughter could beat anyone"- Jessica Pegula's billionaire father Terry's remark fondly recalled by sports director ahead of US Open final
Jessica Pegula’s father, Terry, made a rare appearance during her recent US Open 2024 match. Noticing the billionaire, sports director Jon Scott reminisced about their previous conversations about the tennis player.
Pegula made her Grand Slam breakthrough at the ongoing US Open. After six unsuccessful attempts in the quarterfinals, she overcame the hurdle, advancing to Saturday’s (September 7) final. En route, the American beat Shelby Rogers, Sofia Kenin, Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, Diana Shnaider, World No. 1 Iga Swiatek, and Karolina Muchova.
Her family, including sister Kelly, father Terry, and husband Taylor, supported her from the stands during her 1-6, 6-4, 6-2 semifinal win against 2023 French Open runner-up Muchova on Thursday, September 5.
Interestingly, Terry Pegula, an oil-and-gas tycoon who owns the NFL's Buffalo Bills and NHL’s Buffalo Sabres, opted for a distant seat, away from the player’s box. WGRZ sports director Jon Scott, who noticed Pegula on screen, was quick to recall the multi-billionaire’s previous sentiment about not wanting to watch his daughter compete live, courtesy of his nervousness.
"Terry Pegula shown watching daughter Jessie in U.S. Open semifinal. He's said in the past he gets too nervous to watch her in person," Scott recalled on X.
The director also revisited their interaction about Jessica Pegula’s future in tennis. He recalled that although the World No. 6 was dealing with injuries when they spoke, her father had immense confidence in her capabilities.
"I had a conversation many years ago with Terry Pegula about Jessie's tennis career. At that point injuries had really slowed her. Terry adamantly told me his daughter could beat anyone in the world when healthy. She's headed to 1st grand slam final Saturday," he said.
"I didn't really know if I wanted to do it anymore" – Jessica Pegula reflects on overcoming doubts ahead of US Open 2024 final
Following her semifinal win at the 2024 US Open, Jessica Pegula laid bare overcoming doubts about her tennis future.
"I don’t know if I thought it’s not gonna happen (reaching a Grand Slam final), but there's definitely moments where either I didn’t want to play tennis, I didn’t really know if I wanted to do it anymore," she said during her press conference.
"You definitely hit those types of low moments."
Earlier this year, Pegula was forced to the sidelines due to a rib injury, which derailed her claycourt season. Despite the setback, she made a triumphant return, winning the WTA 500 in Berlin on her second tournament back.
The American has also enjoyed success during the North American hardcourt swing. She defended her Canadian Open title in August before reaching the final in Cincinnati, where she fell short against Aryna Sabalenka.
About returning to winning ways after moments of doubt, Pegula said:
"I’ve had several of those, but in the end I always would kind of snap back and be like, 'Okay, what am I talking about.'"
Jessica Pegula, who is chasing her maiden Grand Slam title, faces repeat finalist Aryna Sabalenka in Saturday’s clash.