Jessica Pegula delighted four fellow tennis stars by flying them to their next tournament on her private jet.
The 31-year-old American, fresh off her victory in Austin last week against McCartney Kessler, extended her generosity beyond the court.
Pegula was scheduled to compete next in Indian Wells, California, and could have traveled there immediately after her Austin match.
However, the world No.4 waited to accommodate the four doubles finalists.
Kessler, despite losing in the singles, participated in the doubles final with Zhang Shuai against Anna Blinkova and Yuan Yue.
It was a double defeat for the 25-year-old, as Blinkova and Yuan won the final in a match tiebreak 10-4.
Before heading to Indian Wells, Yuan Yue, the Chinese player, expressed her gratitude on social media, noting that Pegula’s thoughtful act saved them from a potential nine-hour drive.
Yuan wrote, “Huge praise for Miss Pegula! She invited all of today’s doubles finalists to join her on a private plane. Thank you so much! Otherwise, we would have faced at least a nine-hour journey by road tomorrow. Honestly, is she even real? So incredibly kind!”
Zhang Shuai, 36, also shared a picture of the plane, adding, “The finalists were discussing flight options to IW. Many different routes, some from Austin/Houston/Dallas, others potentially needing a transfer at LA in the middle of the night due to limited flights after the doubles final.”
“Meanwhile, Jessica Pegula offered everyone playing in the Sunday final to join her private jet. She could have left right after her singles final, but she is such a selfless and generous person.”
“This post is not to boast about traveling by private jet, but to express my appreciation and share the positivity.”
Blinkova reposted Zhang’s message, adding, “Thank you, Jessie, for your kindness and generosity.”
Pegula herself responded to Zhang, “Shuai, you’re too cute lol.”
Pegula has been called the “world’s richest tennis player” due to her family’s substantial wealth.
Her father, Terry, 73, owns the Buffalo Bills in the NFL and the Buffalo Sabres in the NHL.
Forbes estimates the family’s net worth to be around £7.7 billion.
Jessica Pegula, a top-ranked tennis player, has earned approximately £13.5 million in prize money alone.
Pegula is seeded fourth at Indian Wells and received a first-round bye.
She will begin her tournament against the winner of the match between Peyton Stearns and Magda Linette.
Ironically, Kessler is set to face Blinkova in the singles event, with the winner advancing to play world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the second round.
The doubles draw will be announced on Wednesday.
