Australian Open star’s billionaire mum asks ‘why does she do this?’ | Tennis | Sport

Jessica Pegula has demonstrated to her family that her commitment to tennis stems from a genuine passion for the game. The 31-year-old is the daughter of Terry and Kim Pegula, owners of the Buffalo Bills, with the family boasting a net worth exceeding £6billion, making her the wealthiest tennis player globally. Yet despite the privileges afforded by her family’s fortune, she persists in her relentless pursuit to establish herself amongst the world’s elite players.

Speaking to ESPN ahead of the 2025 Australian Open, Kim Pegula revealed her bewilderment at her daughter’s determination: “I remember thinking: ‘Why would she want to keep doing this?'” and “There are other women whose families are relying on them through tennis but she doesn’t have that worry.”

She continued: “She doesn’t have to do this and her life would be so much easier if she didn’t [play]. But it’s because she loves this sport and she’s truly doing it for herself.”

Jessica Pegula remains in pursuit of her maiden Grand Slam singles triumph. Whilst she has claimed nine singles crowns and seven doubles championships, a major title has proved elusive throughout a career hampered by fitness setbacks.

Ahead of the Australian Open, Pegula has confessed that her off-season preparations fell short of expectations. During a recent appearance on The Player’s Box podcast, the American tennis star discussed her fitness concerns and the challenges she encountered whilst gearing up for the opening Grand Slam of the season.

“I didn’t have the best pre-season because I had a couple of injuries,” she disclosed. “So I didn’t get a lot of good loading days for a consistent amount of time.

“I played like four matches in four days, it was kind of a shock to the system. I had three really tough matches, [then] yesterday, I kind of got crushed, so that was at least quick. It’s tough. This week I definitely broke my body in really fast.

“But I was glad I had tough matches, because it’s one thing if you win a couple of easy matches, where you weren’t challenged, and you’re like that’s great, but to start the year, you always want to get through the really tough matches to test your nerve, test your fitness, and test yourself under pressure.

“I’m glad that I had three really close, tight, tough matches, with a lot of pressure games, pressure points. Because you can’t replicate it. And then there’s always another level, so it’s always right back to making it the next challenge. How do I get even further?”