Emma Raducanu will compete against Jessica Pegula, often called the “world`s richest tennis star,” in the next round of the Miami Open. This follows Raducanu`s recent victory over Amanda Anisimova.
Raducanu, aged 22, is showing strong performance in the United States and has earned her place in the quarter-finals. Her opponent will be world No.4 Jessica Pegula.
While Pegula is ranked fourth in the world for tennis, she tops the list in terms of wealth.
This American tennis star, with seven career titles, is known as the “world`s richest tennis star” because her family`s fortune is estimated to be around £7.7 billion.
Pegula`s father, Terry, aged 73, owns the Buffalo Bills, a major NFL team, and the Buffalo Sabres, an NHL team.
Jessica Pegula herself has accumulated over £13.5 million in prize money throughout her tennis career.
Earlier this month, Pegula demonstrated her generosity by offering seats on her private jet to four other tennis players: McCartney Kessler, Zhang Shuai, Anna Blinkova, and Yuan Yue, after a tournament in Texas.
Pegula is expected to be the favorite in her match against Raducanu, considering the ranking difference between them. However, Raducanu has been showing improved form recently.
In their previous two encounters, both players have won once. Pegula won in Cincinnati in 2022, while Raducanu won at Eastbourne last year.
Raducanu, who recently changed coaches, mentioned that she has rediscovered her “competitive spirit” after her victory against Amanda Anisimova.
She stated, “I`m most proud of finding my competitive spirit and fighting for every point. This intensity had been missing for a while. I feel hungry and competitive on the court now, wanting to chase every ball. This change in mindset is my biggest achievement this week.”
Raducanu added, “I now step onto the court knowing I will give my all on every point. It`s been effective so far. Also, during matches, I`m thinking less, which is beneficial, and allowing my natural creativity to emerge, which is when I play my best tennis.”
