Billionaire Jessica Pegula makes eight-word request to Wuhan Open fans | Tennis | Sport
Jessica Pegula is chasing the Wuhan Open title on Sunday with backing from local fans who have given her a somewhat frank nickname. The current world No.6 will face Coco Gauff after defeating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-final 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 to set up an all-American final.
Pegula, 31, is one of the richest sportspersons in the world and that has not been lost on her Chinese fans, who have nicknamed her “Dafu”, which translates as ‘Big Rich’ in Mandarin. Buffalo-born Pegula discussed her new label on the Player’s Box Podcast, alongside fellow tour stars Maddison Keys, Jennifer Brady, and Desirae Krawczyk.
Pegula said: “It’s not like mean, It’s like good. It’s like bountiful. But they literally just say it to me now. Like that’s my name. I’m like ‘Oh thanks.’ I asked them for a more humble nickname, but I don’t think they’re just like, “No,” they’re very straight to the point.
“Really I mean, everybody has all these different nicknames. So they just find stuff. I don’t know if they just do research of funny moments.”
Whilst the nickname may feel a little awkward for Pegula, her tour rivals were only too happy to tease her over the situation. Australian Open champions Keys said: “She’s basically saying look, we’re just stating facts. Like live with it. Move on,” while Brady joked: “Yeah. Oh, Dafu large. Large woman.”
Pegula’s sizeable wealth only comes in part from her tennis prize winnings. Her father Terry Pegula is a petroleum billionaire who owns NFL team the Buffalo Bills, and NHL franchise the Buffalo Sabres, alongside his wife, Kim.
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The Pegula family is estimated to have a net worth of a staggering $7.5 billion with daughter Jessica believed to have a personal net worth of $13 million.
The 2024 US Open finalist defeated Hailey Baptiste, Ekaterina Alexandrova, Katerina Siniakova and World No.1 Sabalenka to reach the Wuhan Open final. She is chasing her fourth singles title of the season against Gauff.
