NEW YORK — The world of professional tennis is often a family affair, with parents providing the foundational support that propels their children to stardom. For Jessica Pegula, the world-class American tennis star, that support has famously come from her billionaire parents, Terry and Kim Pegula, owners of the NFL's Buffalo Bills and NHL's Buffalo Sabres. However, in a poignant and revealing interview, Terry Pegula has disclosed a deeply personal struggle: he is often unable to watch his daughter compete on the biggest stages due to profound family health issues.
The Weight of Family Behind the Success
Jessica Pegula's rise to the pinnacle of tennis, achieving a career-high ranking of World No. 3 and becoming a mainstay in the top 10, is a story of resilience and dedication. Yet, a significant part of her narrative, known to many fans, involves her mother Kim's harrowing health journey. In June 2022, Kim Pegula suffered a cardiac arrest at her home. While she survived, the incident led to significant ongoing health challenges, requiring extensive care and rehabilitation. This family crisis has cast a long shadow, impacting every member of the Pegula family in profound ways.
In a candid conversation with Tennis Channel, Terry Pegula opened up about the emotional toll this has taken on him personally, specifically in relation to watching his daughter's matches. "I have a hard time watching her play, to be honest with you," he admitted. "After what happened to my wife, I get too nervous. I don't know why. I just... I have issues in the family, so I have a hard time watching." This raw confession highlights that behind the billionaire status and sports empire lies a father grappling with anxiety and familial worry, emotions that transcend wealth and status.
A Mother's Influence and Absence
Kim Pegula was not just a financial backer but Jessica's most vocal cheerleader, a constant presence in the player's box during tournaments. Her vibrant energy and visible support were a staple of Jessica's matches. Since her health crisis, that visible presence has necessarily diminished, creating a palpable void. Jessica has spoken frequently about her mother's influence, describing her as her "best friend" and the emotional anchor of the family. The adjustment has been immense for Jessica, who has had to navigate the pressures of the tour while carrying the weight of concern for her mother.
Terry Pegula's revelation adds another layer to this public family story. His inability to watch is not a matter of disinterest, but rather an overflow of the stress and trauma the family has endured. He remains intensely proud and supportive, but from a distance that protects his own emotional well-being. "I follow her on my phone," he explained, detailing his alternative method of support. "I have an app, and I'll watch a point, and then I'll turn it off and go do something, and then I'll come back."
The Ripple Effect of Trauma
Psychologists often speak of the ripple effects of a major family health crisis. It doesn't only impact the individual patient but reverberates through the entire family system, altering dynamics and triggering secondary traumas. For Terry Pegula, the sight of his daughter competing under intense pressure—a situation inherently fraught with potential for heartbreak and physical strain—may subconsciously echo the sudden, unpredictable trauma of his wife's cardiac arrest. This linkage can manifest as a protective anxiety, making the act of watching live competition unbearable.
Jessica herself has demonstrated remarkable mental fortitude, continuing to perform at an elite level. She has channeled her family's struggle into a platform for advocacy, launching the "A Love for Love" initiative to promote CPR awareness, directly inspired by her mother's ordeal. The family's priorities have been publicly and permanently reshaped, a fact Terry Pegula's interview makes undeniably clear.
A Different Kind of Support System
While Terry may not be in the front row, his support for Jessica is unwavering in other forms. As the co-owner of Pegula Sports and Entertainment, he has built the infrastructure that allows his daughter to focus solely on tennis. Furthermore, his emotional honesty sets a powerful example, normalizing the discussion of mental and emotional health struggles, even for those in positions of immense power and privilege. His admission underscores that:
- Family health crises redefine normalcy, altering even simple pleasures like watching a child's sporting event.
- Support can manifest in many ways, from a text message to managing a world-class training environment, not just physical presence.
- Parental anxiety is multifaceted, especially when past trauma is involved, and deserves understanding.
Jessica has acknowledged this shift in dynamic with grace. In past interviews, she has emphasized that her family's well-being is the ultimate priority, far above tennis results. "Tennis is just what I do," she has said. "It's not who I am or what my family is. We've been through a lot, and it puts everything into perspective."
Conclusion: Resilience Redefined
The story of Jessica Pegula's career is no longer just about a billionaire's daughter using her resources to succeed. It has evolved into a more nuanced and human narrative about a family facing adversity together. Terry Pegula's inability to watch his daughter play is not a footnote of absence, but a central chapter in their story of resilience. It speaks to the lasting impact of trauma and the different forms love and support must take in the face of life-altering events.
As Jessica continues to compete for Grand Slam titles and Olympic medals, she does so carrying the spirit of her mother and the quiet, anxious support of a father who cares too deeply to watch. Their journey reminds us that behind every athlete's statistic is a personal world of challenges, and that sometimes the strongest support is felt not from the stands, but from a distance, through the unwavering bond of family. In sharing their vulnerabilities, the Pegulas have redefined what it means to be a strong sports family in the modern era.