Jessica Pegula pushes back over ‘outrageous’ butler narrative at US Open
Jessica Pegula couldn’t help but laugh about “outrageous” rumors that she lives a privileged life with a butler service, chauffeurs and limo transportation.
The American tennis player — who’s billionaire father, Terry Pegula owns the Buffalo Bills and Sabres — explained it’s “a little annoying” that people think she lives that way.
“I did some media thing the other day too and they were, like, ‘What’s the most annoying thing?'” Pegula said in a press conference after her win against Diana Shnaider in Round 4 of the 2024 U.S. Open on Monday.
“It’s that people think I have a butler, that I get chauffeured around. I have a private limo, that I fly private everywhere … I’m definitely not like that. People can think what they want. I don’t know. I just think it’s kind of funny. A butler? I read these comments … I’m like, no, not at all. But maybe I should. I don’t know at this point. Is that what you want me to do? Do all these crazy things?
“It’s a little annoying, but honestly I just think it’s kind of funny because I don’t really even know anyone that lives like that. I mean, it’s outrageous.”
It came after a reporter asked if the sixth-seeded Pegula if she believes there is “scrutiny” put upon her because her dad owns the Bills and the Sabres.
The reporter also mentioned that fans were shocked over Pegula’s recent post on Instagram, which showed her riding the subway to get to the US Open as part of an ad campaign.
Pegula then posted a second of her taking the LIRR to Flushing Meadows.
“We’re taking the Long Island Railroad home,” Pegula said in the video. “… By popular demand, I was told this was way easier and faster and nicer and better.”
Terry Pegula, who turned his oil fortune into a sports business empire, has a net worth of $7.7 billion, according to Forbes.
Jessica has been on a run in this year’s US Open, and secured a spot back in the quarterfinals after her fourth-round win against Shnaider on Monday.
She will face No. 1 Iga Świątek in the women’s quarterfinals Wednesday.
Świątek beat Russia’s Liudmila Samsonova, 6-4, 6-1, on Monday.
Pegula is 0-6 in major quarterfinals over her career, including two prior losses to Swiatek.
