Jessica Pegula Addresses Questions About Wealth and Tennis Career
Published on Sunday February 22, 2026 at 1:47 p.m.
A Unique Question from a Fellow Competitor
The choice to pursue a demanding career like professional tennis is often questioned, but for Jessica Pegula, the inquiry came directly from a peer. During a recent appearance on the podcast “The Player’s Box” alongside Qinwen Zheng and Maria Sakkari, Pegula, fresh off a title win at the WTA 1000 in Dubai, faced a direct question about her family’s fortune and her career path.
In China, many wonder why such a rich girl took up a sport like tennis. Because tennis is such a difficult sport. Why aren’t you, I don’t know, living a high society life?said player Zheng.Qinwen Zheng
Pegula’s Response and the “Dafu” Nickname
Zheng’s question sparked a lighthearted moment, with Pegula responding with amusement. This video is so awesome. It turned into a bunch of things. It was so good. It’s incredible.
she said. The exchange highlights the curiosity surrounding Pegula’s background, as her family’s wealth is well-known within the tennis community.
Chinese fans have even given Pegula a nickname, “Dafu,” which translates to “Big Rich.” This nickname reflects both awareness of her family’s financial status and a degree of respect for her decision to pursue a challenging athletic career.
The Pegula Family Background
Jessica Pegula is the daughter of Terry and Kim Pegula. Terry Pegula built his fortune through East Resources, an oil and natural gas company, before expanding into professional sports ownership, currently owning the Buffalo Bills (NFL) and the Buffalo Sabres (NHL).
A Career Choice Despite Privilege
The conversation underscores a broader point: that even with significant financial resources, individuals can choose to pursue passions that require dedication, sacrifice, and hard work. Pegula’s story challenges the assumption that wealth automatically equates to a life of leisure.
FAQ
- Who is Jessica Pegula’s father? Terry Pegula, a businessman and owner of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres.
- What does “Dafu” mean? It’s a Chinese nickname for Jessica Pegula that translates to “Big Rich.”
- Why is Pegula’s career choice surprising to some? Because of her family’s wealth, some question why she would pursue the physically and mentally demanding sport of tennis.
This exchange offers a glimpse into the global perspective of the WTA Tour and the unique conversations that arise within the sport. It highlights the respect for athletes who dedicate themselves to their craft, regardless of their background.