LONDON — Jessica Pegula, the billionaire tennis star and world No. 5, has secured another £120,000 in prize money just days before the start of Wimbledon, further padding her already substantial earnings for the 2024 season.
Pegula’s Latest Windfall Ahead of Wimbledon
The American tennis sensation claimed the hefty sum after a strong showing at the Bad Homburg Open in Germany, where she reached the semifinals before withdrawing due to a minor injury concern. Pegula, whose net worth is estimated at over £400 million thanks to her family’s ownership of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills and NHL’s Buffalo Sabres, continues to dominate both on and off the court.
Despite her wealth, Pegula remains fiercely competitive. "I don’t play for the money, but winning always feels good," she told reporters after her withdrawal. "I’m focused on being ready for Wimbledon—that’s the big one."
A Stellar Season So Far
Pegula has been in formidable form this year, with deep runs in multiple tournaments. Her 2024 highlights include:
- A semifinal appearance at the Australian Open
- A title win at the Charleston Open
- Quarterfinal finishes at both Indian Wells and Miami
With Wimbledon just days away, Pegula is considered one of the top contenders for the title. Her consistent performances on grass—she reached the quarterfinals at SW19 last year—make her a serious threat.
The Business of Being Jessica Pegula
Beyond her tennis earnings, Pegula’s financial portfolio is bolstered by lucrative endorsements, including deals with:
- Nike (apparel and footwear)
- Wilson (racquets)
- Rolex (watch sponsorship)
Her business acumen is no surprise given her family’s sports empire. "I’ve grown up around high-pressure environments, so handling expectations comes naturally," she said in a recent interview.
Wimbledon Expectations
Pegula enters Wimbledon as the No. 4 seed, behind only Iga Świątek, Coco Gauff, and Aryna Sabalenka. Grass isn’t her strongest surface, but her adaptability and tactical intelligence make her a dangerous opponent.
Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli weighed in: "Jessica has the game to go far. She’s not the most powerful, but her consistency and court craft are exceptional."
The Road Ahead
With the Olympics also on the horizon, Pegula’s 2024 schedule is packed. She’s expected to represent Team USA in Paris, adding another layer to her already busy season.
Her coach, David Witt, remains optimistic: "She’s in great shape physically and mentally. If she stays healthy, she can win multiple big titles this year."
Conclusion
Jessica Pegula’s latest £120,000 payday is just another milestone in what has already been a stellar year. As Wimbledon kicks off, all eyes will be on the billionaire athlete to see if she can add a Grand Slam title to her impressive résumé.
"I’m here to compete, no matter what the numbers say," Pegula declared. "Wimbledon is the dream, and I’m ready to chase it."