Tennis Star Swaps Rackets for Wings, Jets Rivals to Tourney

Tennis Star Swaps Rackets for Wings, Jets Rivals to Tourney

3 minute read
Published: 3/4/2025

After winning her seventh WTA title, Jessica Pegula took generosity to new heights, literally, by flying fellow players from Texas to California in her private jet—because who needs L.A. traffic when you're a tennis star?

In a move that combines her recent triumph at the ATX Open with a spark of altruism, Pegula not only claimed victory by defeating McCartney Kessler but also turned her celebration into a charity event of sorts by flying fellow competitors to the Indian Wells tournament. The flight saved them from a potentially grueling late-night commute through L.A. traffic—a fate only a wealthy tennis star can fully appreciate. Fellow players like Zhang Shuai took to social media to praise Pegula's generosity, proving that in tennis, it's not just about aces, but also about charitable flights.

The ATX Open turned out to be a significant event for Pegula, marking the first title since August of last year. With her recent victory, she solidified her position as a formidable player on the WTA Tour, but it seems she also aims to become known as the unofficial flight attendant of the tennis world.

After the final match, Pegula, powered by victory and perhaps an extra slice of celebratory cake, took to planning a spontaneous airlift of her fellow competitors. The private jet, which likely comes equipped with tennis balls instead of seat cushions, whisked away Zhang Shuai, Anna Blinkova, and Yuan Yue, saving the players from what would’ve been a cramped ride on public transit or worse, a sleepless night dealing with Los Angeles traffic. Because after battling it out on the court, the last thing a player needs is to battle rush hour.

Zhang Shuai expressed her gratitude on Instagram, referring to Pegula as 'selfless' and highlighting how her kind gesture represents a rarity in the ultra-competitive realm of professional sports. This raises the question: will other players now be expected to invest in their own jets as a form of goodwill? It turns out, being a millionaire helps alleviate some of the minor inconveniences of life, such as waiting in line for a cab.

Interestingly enough, Pegula's tie to the world of sports extends beyond the tennis court. As the daughter of Terry and Kim Pegula, the billionaire couple behind the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres, it seems that generosity runs in the family. Perhaps family gatherings involve a few rounds of tennis followed by jets and billion-dollar board games, ensuring everyone is quite entertained and well-traveled.

With her career earnings exceeding $17 million, Pegula is hardly a stranger to the high life. Her private jet escapade, while impressive, may just be a perk of her successful career rather than a paradigm shift in the players' travel arrangements. Nevertheless, her fellow competitors are undoubtedly appreciating these moments of luxury, if not a tad envious of her ability to make such gestures seem effortless.

As the tennis world heads to Indian Wells, one can only wonder if Pegula's kindness will spur further acts of generosity among players. Will there be an influx of private jets in the sports world, or has Pegula just set the bar too high? We may see other players flying around in search of the tournament title, or perhaps just trying to replicate Pegula's selflessness. Either way, it seems Pegula has joined an elite group within tennis—not only as a champion but also by earning gratitude from fellow competitors.

In any case, this act of goodwill remains a highlight in an otherwise rigorous sport, demonstrating that beneath the competitive surface, camaraderie can thrive. Pegula's actions are not just a statement but a reminder that players can celebrate victories not just for themselves, but for their peers too. And perhaps, on occasion, even provide them with gourmet snacks during the flight.