WUHAN — American tennis star and billionaire heiress Jessica Pegula made a direct and heartfelt plea to fans at the Wuhan Open on Tuesday, requesting they refrain from using a long-standing nickname that has followed her throughout her career.
Following her commanding first-round victory over Poland’s Magdalena Fręch, Pegula was asked during her on-court interview about the moniker "Billionaire Pegula," which is frequently used by commentators and fans, particularly in China. The World No. 5 did not mince her words.
Looking directly into the camera and addressing the stadium, Pegula stated with a warm but firm smile, "Please don't call me that. I'm just a tennis player like everyone else." The simple, eight-word request was met with a wave of applause and cheers from the appreciative Chinese crowd.
The Weight of a Nickname
The nickname stems from Pegula's background as the daughter of Terrence and Kim Pegula, who own the NFL's Buffalo Bills and the NHL's Buffalo Sabres. Their vast fortune, estimated by Forbes to be in the billions, has often placed Jessica in a unique category within the sport—a player whose financial security was assured long before she ever lifted a tennis racket professionally.
However, Pegula has consistently worked to be recognized for her own merits and relentless work ethic. In her post-match press conference, she elaborated on the feeling of being reduced to her wealth. "It’s a label that can feel a bit dismissive of all the hard work," she explained.
"People don't see the years of grinding on the ITF circuit, the injuries, the losses, the self-doubt," Pegula continued. "They just see the 'billionaire' part and sometimes make assumptions."
Earning Respect Through Results
Any assumptions that Pegula's success is unrelated to her dedication have been thoroughly debunked by her results. She has carved her path to the upper echelons of the game through sheer determination, becoming a fixture in the world's top 10 and a formidable opponent on all surfaces. Her resume speaks for itself:
- Six WTA Tour singles titles, including the 2023 Guadalajara Open WTA 1000.
- Reached the quarterfinals of three different Grand Slams (Australian Open, French Open, US Open).
- A former World No. 3 in doubles, winning the 2022 WTA Finals doubles title with Coco Gauff.
- A key member of the victorious U.S. Billie Jean King Cup team in 2023.
This consistent excellence has earned her the respect of her peers. World No. 1 Iga Świątek, when asked about Pegula earlier this year, said, "You never get anything for free against Jess. She is one of the toughest and most professional competitors on tour."
A Warm Welcome in Wuhan
Pegula's request in Wuhan appears to have been received in the spirit it was intended. Chinese tennis fans are known for their passionate and knowledgeable support, and social media platforms like Weibo saw an immediate and positive reaction to her interview. The hashtag #JustTennisPlayerPegula began trending, with many fans praising her humility and vowing to honor her request.
One fan, Wang Lei, posted, "She is right. She is an elite athlete who has earned her place. We respect her and will call her Champion Pegula instead!" This sentiment was echoed across thousands of comments, signaling a shift in how she will be perceived by her sizable fanbase in the country.
Beyond the Baseline: Family and Philanthropy
While she seeks to distance her on-court identity from her family's wealth, Pegula has never shied away from discussing the profound influence of her parents, particularly her mother Kim's recovery from a serious health issue in 2022. That experience led Jessica to become a powerful advocate for health and awareness.
She has used her platform to support various causes, demonstrating that her focus extends far beyond tennis or business. In a 2022 essay for The Players' Tribune, she wrote about the perspective her family's challenges have given her, stating, "It makes you realize what really matters. Winning a match is incredible, but it’s temporary. Family is everything."
The Road Ahead in Wuhan
With the nickname discussion now publicly addressed, Pegula can fully focus on her campaign at the Wuhan Open, a WTA 1000 event where she is one of the top seeds. She is slated to face Ukraine’s Anhelina Kalinina in the second round as she continues her quest for a seventh career title.
Her direct communication with the fans is seen as a savvy and authentic move, strengthening her connection with the audience that supports her. It underscores a mature understanding of her own brand and a desire to control her narrative not through public relations teams, but through genuine, on-court interaction.
A Champion on Her Own Terms
Jessica Pegula’s eight-word request in Wuhan is more than a simple preference; it is a declaration of identity. It is the culmination of a years-long journey to be seen not as a beneficiary of wealth, but as a product of perseverance. By politely asking the world to see her as "just a tennis player," she is, in fact, asserting the very thing she has worked so hard to become.
As the Wuhan Open progresses, the cheers for "Champion" Pegula will undoubtedly grow louder. She has successfully reframed the conversation, proving that the most valuable things she brings to the court—her resilience, her powerful groundstrokes, and her strategic mind—are assets that no amount of money can buy.