Just In: Jessica Pegula was forced to answer awkward question about family’s £74m yacht at US Open
Jessica Pegula is into a third consecutive US Open semi-final. And her post-match duties went swimmingly – a far cry from last year when she faced an awkward line of questioning after being knocked out.
The 32-year-old overcame a stern test against fellow American Emma Navarro on Tuesday evening. Navarro took the first set 6-3 but Pegula, the heiress to her family’s sports and energy empire, bounced back to take the second 6-4. Her dominance continued into the third set and Pegula triumphed 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 to set up a semi-final date with world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who has sent her packing in both of the last two US Open renewals.
In 2024, Pegula made it to her first US Open final only to be beaten 7-5, 7-5 by the Belarusian. The two clashed again 12 months ago in the 2025 semi-finals and although this match was tighter and Pegula took the first set, she went on to lose 6-4, 3-6, 4-6.
After her win over Navarro, Pegula’s post-match press conference was a gracious one. She praised Sabalenka’s team and opened up about the fun of having a rivalry with the current top seed.
This was a stark contrast to the questions she faced after being beaten by Sabalenka last year, including a query about her family’s fortune, specifically a £74million yacht. Pegula’s family net worth is estimated at £9.1billion. Her father, Terry Pegula, amassed this fortune through the oil and gas industry.
The family’s wealth has transitioned into a sports and entertainment empire. They purchased the Buffalo Bills NFL franchise in 2014 for £1.08bn having bought the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres for £145.5million in 2011. They also own various properties and developments in the Buffalo area.
Pegula, whose tennis career earnings stand at £19m, has stressed that this multi-billion-dollar fortune belongs to her parents. But after she was defeated by Sabalenka 12 months ago, this didn’t stop her from being questioned about her father’s luxurious yacht that had arrived in New York.
Father Terry’s vessel, valued at £74m, proved controversial with the fanbase of his Bills NFL franchise, as taxpayer dollars had been used to fund the team’s new Highmark Stadium. The project cost £1.62bn and opened ahead of the current NFL season.
Therefore, Pegula was asked about the yacht, which was docked 30 minutes away from Arthur Ashe Stadium. She awkwardly replied: “I don’t really know where they (her parents) have been staying.
“I think they were anchored somewhere, but I haven’t been or seen them. I just see them after the matches, so I’m not really sure what they’ve been doing on the other days.”
On the topic of her family’s wealth, she said in 2023: “Yeah, I mean, people say that. I personally don’t have that money. It’s probably my dad or my parents. I don’t know why that kind of stuck. I mean, I understand, though.
“My family obviously is pretty well-known back in America, I mean, it is what it is. It doesn’t really bother me. It would be nice if people didn’t say that. But do I really care? I mean, not really. It is what it is. But, yeah… I don’t really think it matters how much money you have.”
Now, Pegula will renew her rivalry with Sabalenka as she aims to make her second-ever singles Grand Slam final. If she does make it to the showpiece, one of Qinwen Zheng, Elena Rybakina, Mirra Andreeva or Coco Gauff will be waiting.
