Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 7, 2024 2:09 pm GMT
Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro, the American tennis stars who have reached the semifinals of the U.S. Open, are not only talented athletes but also daughters of billionaires. Pegula’s father, Terry Pegula, an oil and gas tycoon, has a net worth of approximately $7.7 billion, primarily from his company East Resources and ownership of sports teams like the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres. Meanwhile, Navarro’s father, Ben Navarro, is the founder and CEO of Sherman Financial Group, with a net worth of around $1.5 billion.
Despite their families’ wealth and the assumptions that come with it, both players express frustration over misconceptions about their lifestyles. Pegula has commented on the annoying notion that she has a butler or flies on private jets, clarifying that she lives a much more ordinary life. Navarro echoes this sentiment, attributing her success not solely to financial backing but to hard work and dedication to her craft.
As the semifinals approach, both players have had substantial career milestones. Pegula achieved her first Grand Slam semifinal after defeating world number one Iga Swiatek and has had a successful summer, including winning titles in Canada and Cincinnati. Navarro, who emerged victorious against defending champion Coco Gauff, has also showcased her talents and commitment to the sport.
Both players agree that having money can make it easier to get things like coaching and travel, but they believe that true success in tennis comes from talent, hard work, and never giving up. They want to clear up the misunderstanding that their wealthy backgrounds are the only reasons they made it to the U.S. Open semifinals.
