The players were left shocked by the spontaneous offer.
Jessica Pegula treated fellow stars. (Image: Getty)
There was a special treat for the finalists at the ATX Open in Austin courtesy of Jessica Pegula. The American star landed her seventh career title at the WTA 250 tournament, beating compatriot McCartney Kessler 7-5 6-2 in the final. It compounded an agonising tournament for Kessler. She also lost the doubles final with Zhang Shuai after they were undone by a comeback from Yuan Yue and Anna Blinkova. However, for all four stars, the reward for going all the way was a luxurious one.
With The BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells getting underway this week, Pegula headed straight to California from Texas in her private jet. But the 31-year-old was not alone, inviting her four fellow finalists to fly comfortably with her.
This gesture particularly pleased Chinese star Yue, who sealed her second career WTA doubles title on Sunday. She took to social media to express her gratitude at being spared an arduous car trip.
“Praise Miss Pegula. Okay!!!” she wrote. “She has invited all the players in today’s game (doubles final) to take a private plane together. Thank you so much!!!
Yuan Yue was delighted with the gesture. (Image: Getty)
“Otherwise, we would all have been on the road for at least nine hours tomorrow. Oh my God, how can there be such a beautiful lady?”
Zhang, who with Kessler also stepped on board, added: “The final day girls discuss how flight to IW, many different ways, someone leave from Austin/ Houston/ Dallas, someone might need to transfer at LA in the middle night because it’s tough to get a flight after the doubles final.
“In the meantime @jpegula offering everyone who playing at the Sunday final to join her private jet, you know she can leave away right after her singles final, but she is such a selfless and generous girl. This message is NOT to show I took the jet, just wanted to appreciate and transferring the love.”
Pegula is the daughter of billionaire parents Terry and Kim Pegula. Through their Pegula Sports and Entertainment company, the couple owns two iconic American sports teams – the NFL franchise Buffalo Bills and the NHL team Buffalo Sabres.
The 2024 US Open finalist boasts a net worth of £10.3million. She’s currently ranked No.4 in the world, and has regularly pushed back at cynics who have questioned her motivation for success given her wealth, given she is considered the world’s richest tennis player.
News
Justin Baldoni claims Blake Lively tried to ban him from ‘It Ends With Us’ premiere in ‘humiliating’ diss
Justin Baldoni claims his “It Ends With Us” co-star Blake Lively attempted to ban him and his Wayfarer Studios team from the film’s August premiere amid their feud. According to the actor’s $250 million lawsuit against the New York Times, which he filed on Tuesday, Lively allegedly “initially refused to permit his attendance” at the event to “undermine” Baldoni’s role […]
Emma Raducanu’s former coach steps in to advise Novak Djokovic after big upset
Novak Djokovic suffered a surprise defeat at Indian Wells. Novak Djokovic was dumped out of Indian Wells in the second round (Image: Getty) Emma Raducanu’s former coach has urged Novak Djokovic to improve his serve if he is to return to the top of elite tennis. Dmitry Tursunov believes the 24-time Grand Slam champion must hit more aces and […]
Jack Draper writes classy message to opponent after Indian Wells win
Jack Draper defeated Jenson Brooksby to reach the last 16 in Indian Wells. Jack Draper wrote a classy message for his opponent in Indian Wells (Image: Tennis TV) Jack Draper showed his class after advancing to the round of 16 in Indian Wells, as he wrote a kind message to his opponent on the camera lens. The […]
Novak Djokovic suspicions raised after Serb’s behaviour in Indian Wells press conference
Novak Djokovic suffered his third successive defeat after bowing out of Indian Wells via a shock loss to Botic van de Zandschlup. Novak Djokovic was spotted acting a little differently in his latest press conference (Image: Getty) Concerns have been raised about Novak Djokovic’s mental state after he was seen “smiling too much” after suffering a shock defeat at Indian […]
Emma Raducanu causing ‘outrage’ at Wimbledon as members complain about star’s behaviour
Emma Raducanu has been causing a stir at Wimbledon’s All England Club. Emma Raducanu has reportedly been enraging members of the All England Club (Image: Getty) Emma Raducanu has reportedly been antagonising members of Wimbledon’s All England Club, who have accused her of “arrogance” for breaking one of the venue’s long-standing rules. Players are required to follow an […]
Novak Djokovic shares Andy Murray plan after Indian Wells exit as alarming admission made
The Serb crashed out of Indian Wells in his opening match on Saturday night. Novak Djokovic has discussed his future working with Andy Murray (Image: ATP Media / Tennis TV) Novak Djokovic has revealed he’ll sit down with Andy Murray to discuss the pair’s coaching partnership following the Serb’s early exit at Indian Wells. The all-time record Grand Slam […]
End of content
No more pages to load
Leave a Reply