Sports
US Open Quarterfinal Pits Two American Players from Billion-Dollar Sports Families
Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro will meet in an all-American US Open quarterfinal on Tuesday night, marking the first time two American women have reached the tournament's final eight since 2015. The matchup also brings together two players from families with a combined net worth of roughly $15 billion.
Pegula, currently ranked World No. 3, is the daughter of Terry Pegula, a businessman who built his fortune in oil and gas before expanding into sports ownership. Terry Pegula's company, East Resources, sold most of its assets to Royal Dutch Shell for $4.7 billion in 2010. He purchased the Buffalo Sabres in 2011 for $189 million, then acquired the Buffalo Bills in 2014 for $1.4 billion, outbidding groups led by Donald Trump and Jon Bon Jovi. The Bills recently opened a new $2.1 billion stadium. The Pegula family's total net worth is estimated at $11.8 billion.
Navarro's father, Ben Navarro, is a former Citigroup banker who co-founded Sherman Financial Group in 1998. Based in Charleston, South Carolina, he has invested more than $350 million in local real estate since 2021, including a stadium and a historic hotel. He has also spent over $300 million acquiring two professional tennis tournaments, in Cincinnati and Charleston, both now sponsored by his company, Credit One. Ben Navarro's net worth is estimated at $3.2 billion.
The winner of the women's US Open singles title will earn $5.5 million in prize money this year. Ahead of the quarterfinal, former US Open finalist Greg Rusedski praised both players on his Off Court podcast, calling Pegula a "maximizer" who has steadily improved throughout her career rather than emerging as an early standout. He noted the contrast between her family's wealth and her strong work ethic, saying it was unusual to see someone with such a background achieve so much success in tennis.
Rusedski offered similar praise for Navarro, noting she had returned to top form after dealing with health issues and was once again competing near the top of the rankings. He predicted that whichever American wins will be a strong contender in the semifinals.
Pegula holds a 4-0 head-to-head record against Navarro, including a win in the round of 32 in Cincinnati last month. This will be the first meeting between two American women in a US Open quarterfinal since Serena Williams defeated her sister Venus in 2015.
Ahead of the match, Navarro acknowledged the challenge of facing Pegula, describing her as a consistent and tough opponent who hits a flat, low ball that is difficult to read. Navarro said she would need to disrupt Pegula's rhythm and expressed hope that this match would finally bring her a win over her longtime rival.