WTA pro Zheng Qinwen explained to the World No. 5 seed Jessica Pegula what her nickname meant in Chinese. Pegula is nicknamed ‘Dafu,’ which literally translates to “Big Rich” in Mandarin, and is derived from her billionaire background as the daughter of American business tycoon Terry Pegula, the owner of the Buffalo Bills.
In a hilarious conversation with Pegula and another WTA pro, Qinwen was told that the 31-year-old American is lovingly called Dafu by her friends, to which the Chinese player made a hilarious comment about what it was like to be rich in her homeland and how people perceived tennis.
“In China, we say why such a rich girl plays tennis because tennis is such a hard sport, you know. Why you are not high class life?” Qinwen said, leaving both Pegula and the other player in stitches.
The former US Open finalist has been passionate about the Bills and has been an avid commentator on NFL topics related to the team during the season. Most recently, she pointed out a controversial call during the divisional championship game between the Broncos and the Bills that ended Buffalo’s run in the recently concluded NFL season with an OT loss.
Back on court, Pegula has been one of the most consistent players in women’s tennis in the past six months. She has reached the semifinal or more in every tournament she has been a part of since the 2025 US Open. While her consistency is a testament to her fitness and skill, Pegula has not won any silverware. However, her trophy-less run has finally come to an end.
Jessica Pegula Lifts the WTA 1000 Title in Dubai
Pegula won her first silverware of the year by defeating Elina Svitolina in the Dubai Open final on Saturday night. The American overpowered her opponent from the start, controlling the match and sealing the win in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4, to claim the prestigious WTA 1000 title.
With the dominant win, Pegula earned 1000 valuable WTA points and also went away with $665,000 in prize money. The American, who had a decent run in the Australian swing, made the Middle-East swing a memorable one and now shifts focus to the ATX Open (WTA 250) in Texas, which begins on Monday. Pegula will face Rebecca Sramkova in the opening match of the ATX Open on February 23.
Also read:
Sebastian Korda Makes Feelings Clear About An All-American Final At Delray Beach Open
Amanda Anisimova Finds Peace & Comfort In Her Nephews & Family After Painful Dubai Open End
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