NEW YORK — The US Open semifinals are always a showcase of elite athleticism and high-stakes drama, but this year, a different kind of spectacle has drawn attention just off the coast of Flushing Meadows. Terry Pegula, the billionaire owner of the NFL's Buffalo Bills and NHL's Buffalo Sabres, has reportedly docked his colossal, £74 million ($95 million) superyacht near the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center to watch his daughter, world No. 5 Jessica Pegula, compete for a spot in her first Grand Slam final.
The vessel, named the "Top Five," is a 150-foot (46-meter) masterpiece of maritime engineering from the renowned Dutch shipyard Feadship. Its arrival in New York waters has not been without controversy, drawing the ire of local environmental groups who criticize the pollution and ostentatious display of wealth it represents, even as it serves as a powerful symbol of a father's unwavering support for his daughter's historic run.
A Father's Front-Row Seat
For Terry and Kim Pegula, Jessica's journey in professional tennis has been a family affair, supported not just emotionally but with significant financial backing. Terry Pegula, who made his fortune in natural gas fracking after selling East Resources to Royal Dutch Shell for $4.7 billion in 2010, is estimated to be worth approximately $6.7 billion. This wealth has afforded Jessica opportunities many players can only dream of, including access to top-tier coaching and facilities, but it has also occasionally painted a target on her back from critics who dismiss her as a "nepo baby" of the tennis world.
Jessica has consistently addressed this perception with grace and a strong work ethic, stating in a recent press conference: "I know I have privileges others don't. But I can't control the family I was born into. I can only control my effort on the court. I hope my tennis, my ranking, and my results show that I belong here on my own merit." Her current semifinal appearance, her second at a major after the 2023 Australian Open, is a testament to that belonging.
The "Top Five" Superyacht: Luxury and Controversy
Docked within view of the USTA complex, the Top Five is far more than just a place to sleep. It is a floating five-star hotel, complete with features that underscore the Pegula family's status:
- Accommodations: The yacht can comfortably host up to 10 guests across 5 lavish staterooms, along with a crew of 9 to attend to every need.
- Amenities: It boasts a large swim platform, a spacious sun deck with a jacuzzi, and a fully-equipped gym—perfect for an athlete's pre-match warm-up or post-match recovery.
- Design: Its elegant, classic profile and sophisticated interior design reflect a commitment to understated luxury rather than garish opulence.
However, its presence has sparked a debate. Environmental activists have been quick to point out the environmental cost of such vessels. A superyacht of this size has a massive carbon footprint, consuming hundreds of gallons of fuel per hour. One local advocacy group released a statement reading, "While we cheer for Jessica Pegula's incredible athletic achievement, the docking of a fossil-fuel-guzzling superyacht is a stark reminder of the immense inequality and climate impact that the ultra-wealthy represent."
Jessica's Journey to the Semifinals
On the court, Jessica Pegula has been nothing short of dominant throughout this US Open fortnight. Her path to the final four has been a masterclass in consistent, powerful baseline tennis. She has not dropped a single set, dispatching opponents with a blend of aggressive groundstrokes and improved tactical serving. Her quarterfinal victory over fellow American Madison Keys was a statement win, demonstrating her ability to weather a storm of powerful hitting and emerge victorious against a former finalist on her home turf.
Her coach, David Witt, has praised her mental fortitude, noting that she has learned to embrace the pressure that comes with these big moments. "Jess has always had the game," Witt said. "But now she's playing with a belief that she can win these tournaments. She's not just participating in the semifinals; she's going into them expecting to win. That's a huge difference."
A Family's Sporting Empire
The Pegula family's connection to sports runs deep. Terry's ownership of the Bills and Sabres has made him a revered figure in Buffalo. His purchase of the Bills in 2014 ensured the team remained in Western New York, solidifying his legacy as a savior of the franchise for a passionate fanbase. This background in high-pressure professional sports has seemingly trickled down to Jessica, who often speaks about the valuable lessons learned from watching her father navigate the world of NFL and NHL ownership.
Kim Pegula, who serves as President of both franchises, has also been a constant presence at tournaments, offering a different kind of support rooted in business acumen and maternal instinct. The family's investments extend to a state-of-the-art tennis facility in Buffalo, which Jessica uses as a training base, further blurring the lines between family support and professional advantage in the best way possible.
The Semifinal Showdown and What Lies Ahead
As Jessica prepares for her semifinal match, the presence of the Top Five is a reminder of the unique ecosystem surrounding modern athletes. For some, it's a distraction; a talking point about wealth and privilege. For Jessica, it is simply the location of her family's unwavering support system. In a sport as mentally grueling as tennis, having that rock-solid foundation can be the difference between victory and defeat.
A win would propel her into her first Grand Slam final, a milestone that would forever silence any remaining doubts about her credentials and cement her status not as the daughter of a billionaire, but as one of the best tennis players in the world. It would be a victory earned through years of dedication, powerful two-handed backhands, and a relentless competitive spirit—a victory, ultimately, for Jessica Pegula, the athlete.
The world will be watching to see if she can seize the moment. And from his unparalleled vantage point, whether on the yacht or in the stands, Terry Pegula will be there, not as a billionaire tycoon, but as a proud dad, watching his daughter chase a dream that no amount of money can buy.