In a scathing critique, former tennis player turned Canadian tennis media personality and influencer, Eugenie Bouchard, who was a Wimbledon finalist in 2014 and currently sits at No. 570 in the WTA rankings, took aim at millionaire Jessica Pegula after her loss in the US Open final to Aryna Sabalenka.
“Why is Jessica Pegula considered the richest tennis player in the world?” This question was posed by Bouchard in response to a fan’s message on Twitter defending Pegula’s wealth and work ethic. The fan argued, “You can’t buy talent and work ethic,” but Bouchard wasn’t having it. She retorted, “Money can’t buy a US Open final,” highlighting her belief that success in tennis cannot be purchased.
Jessica Pegula, who has amassed over $16 million in earnings throughout her tennis career, is indeed considered the wealthiest tennis player globally due to her father’s immense fortune. Terry Pegula, her father, is a 73-year-old billionaire tycoon who holds ownership stakes in multiple sports teams, including the Buffalo Bills (NFL), Buffalo Sabres (NHL), Rochester Americans (AHL), Buffalo Bandits (NLL), and Rochester Knighthawks (NLL).
Bouchard’s criticism sheds light on the widespread debate surrounding the influence of wealth and privilege in professional tennis. As she navigates her own transition from elite athlete to media star, Bouchard’s bold statements challenge the notion that success in the sport can be equated with financial backing alone. With over 2.3 million followers on Instagram, Bouchard’s voice carries significant weight in the tennis community, sparking discussions about the intersection of talent, hard work, and privilege in the pursuit of sporting excellence.