“Money can’t buy a U.S. Open final lol,” Bouchard responded to a post on social media X about Pegula’s defeat to Aryna Sabalenka in the U.S. Open women’s singles final on Sept. 8. This was the first Grand Slam final for Pegula, who is 30 years old like Bouchard.

The Canadian tennis beauty was criticized for her comment, with many people suggesting she was jealous of Pegula’s wealthy background.

“Pegula deserves respect and admiration. It’s true that money can’t buy everything, especially her talent and effort,” one account responded to Bouchard’s comment.

Pegula said after the final at Flushing Meadows that “I’m upset with this defeat to Sabalenka, even though everyone congratulated me on a great tournament.

“I need a few hours to rest and reflect on the match. There are things I wish I had done better. I’m not upset about missing out on the title, but about losing the match in the way I did.”

Pegula is the daughter of billionaire Terrence Pegula, who owns a sports entertainment company, as well as the Buffalo Sabres in the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Buffalo Bills in the National Football League (NFL). Terrence Pegula’s net worth is estimated at $7 billion, and if he splits his inheritance equally among his five children, Jessica will instantly become a billionaire.

Jessica Pegula in the U.S. Open final against Aryna Sabalenka, at Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York on Sept. 8, 2024. Photo by Reuters

Bouchard and Pegula have never faced each other on the court in their careers because they started from different backgrounds. While Bouchard rose to fame early, reaching the Wimbledon final and climbing to fifth in the world in 2014 at the age of 20, Pegula has only begun to shine in recent years. Before this year’s U.S. Open, Pegula had never made it past the quarterfinals of a women’s singles Grand Slam tournament. She is better at doubles, regularly advancing deep in major tournaments and winning seven titles.

Bouchard has barely played in recent time and is sitting outside the world’s top 500. She is known more for her work as a sports model and influencer.

Pegula meanwhile has climbed to number three after a successful run at the 2024 U.S. Open and two previous WTA 1000 tournaments in Canada and Cincinnati. The American player has earned nearly $15 million in prize money.