The world’s richest tennis star, Jessica Pegula, loves the recognition that comes with being the highest-ranked player in the United States.
World No. 3 Pegula is now the highest-ranked American in both men’s and women’s football, having earned over £5.6million in her successful career on the pitch.
But the 29-year-old, who is aiming for stardom at the prestigious Miami Open this week, also boasts a mega-net worth that eclipses even tennis icons like Serena Williams and Roger Federer.
That’s thanks to Pegula’s father Terry – who has made billions from oil and gas and is said to be worth up to £5.5billion.
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Billionaire Terry Pegula, 71, has built a massive business empire that includes the NFL franchise Buffalo Bills and NHL hockey team Buffalo Sabers.
But while heiress Pegula sits atop a massive fortune, she’s firmly focused on creating her own legacy on the tennis court.
The in-form New Yorker has emerged as one of the elite players in women’s tennis and is hoping to break her Grand Slam duck this season.
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Now looking to secure her place in Monday’s quarterfinals in Miami, Pegula is delighted with her position at the top of the American rankings.
“It was very rewarding and fun to hear the announcement before every single game. I think it’s so much fun,” she said.
“Especially in the States, you really see people reacting to that. Even the number 1 for women. I say no, I’m the No. 1 man and woman in America.”
“It’s just fun. I think it’s cool what I get to say and hear. People react really obviously. People who don’t even watch tennis, when they hear that, it’s like, ‘Oh wow, you must be really good’.
“I think it’s garnered a lot of respect from the whole tennis community, tennis fans, even ex-players, people who work at the events. It’s surreal. It’s bizarre.”
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