**Jessica Pegula Reflects on Her Family’s Support in Her Tennis Journey**
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Jessica Pegula, a prominent figure in the world of professional tennis, recently acknowledged the vital role her parents have played in her sporting career. Now ranked the third best female tennis player globally, Pegula credits her success to the unwavering support and encouragement provided by her parents, Kim and Terry Pegula.
Born in Buffalo, New York, Jessica started playing tennis at the tender age of seven, a decision spurred on by her parents. They recognised her potential early on and went to great lengths to nurture her talent, even relocating the family several times. From Wexford, Pennsylvania, to South Carolina and Florida, each move was strategically made to focus on Jessica’s tennis aspirations. Today, she stands as one of the most successful players in the sport.
The Pegulas are no strangers to success themselves. They are the owners of the Buffalo Bills, an NFL team, and the Buffalo Sabres, an NHL franchise, both based in Buffalo. This impressive portfolio stems from Terry Pegula’s astute business acumen. His net worth is estimated at a staggering £9.5 billion, as reported in September 2026, largely due to his ventures in the energy sector and subsequent investments in sports.
Reflecting on her family’s influence, Jessica recounted a heartwarming moment from August 2019 when her mother told local reporters, “We always say she’s our first sports team and our favourite.” This sentiment encapsulates the deep bond shared within the Pegula family and their commitment to support one another on and off the field.
Kim Pegula’s journey is particularly inspiring. Originally from South Korea, she was adopted at the age of five by Canadian parents after spending time in an orphanage. Her past has profoundly shaped her identity, and Jessica has expressed a desire to connect with her Korean heritage. Following her victory at the 2023 Hana Bank Korea Open, she shared on social media how meaningful the win was to her, citing her ongoing journey of learning about her culture influenced by her mother’s past.
Kim and Terry Pegula’s love story began in a New York restaurant in 1991. Terry, who was 39 at the time, was a divorced father running an oil and gas company, while Kim had just graduated from college. Their chance meeting led to a life together, culminating in marriage in 1993 and the birth of three children: Jessica, Kelly, and Matthew.
Throughout their marriage, the Pegulas have fostered an environment ripe for success and wellbeing. Jessica and her sister Kelly launched a health-focused café called The Healthy Scratch in 2016, although they closed the last two locations in 2022. The family continues to support one another in various endeavours, with Matthew living a more private life compared to his siblings.
In addition to their professional accomplishments, the Pegula family has faced significant challenges. In June 2022, Kim suffered a cardiac arrest, a frightening ordeal that had a lasting impact on the entire family. Jessica provided a heartfelt account of the event, detailing how her family remained close at the hospital during what she described as a harrowing two weeks. As Kim continues her recovery, Jessica has reported small, encouraging improvements in her mother’s condition, underscoring the resilience they share as a family.
Despite the pressures that come with their high-profile lives, the Pegulas maintain a grounded connection. Watching Jessica compete often causes them anxiety. Jessica revealed her parents tend to avoid watching her matches live due to their nerves; however, she noted that Kim has become more involved in viewing her games recently. Jessica’s relationship with her parents, particularly their guidance, has played a crucial role in her career. She admitted there are times of disagreement, but those have always propelled her to strive harder.
Jessica has described her father’s approach as “old school,” and she appreciates how both of her parents have guided her through the tumultuous world of professional tennis. While Terry encourages a strong work ethic, Kim’s approach focuses on health, diet, and recovery.
Jessica Pegula’s ascent in tennis reflects not only her dedication to the sport but also the profound impact of her family’s unwavering support. As she continues her journey in professional tennis, she holds a deep appreciation for her parents’ sacrifices and the love that fuels her ambition. The Pegulas exemplify how strong familial bonds can inspire success, even amidst the competitive landscape of sports.