Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro emerged as the American women to deliver success at this year’s US Open among a fleet of native hopes.
With Pegula putting on a show in the final against Aryna Sabalenka and Navarro reaching the semi-final stage, they both achieved career-best grand slam finishes.
There was much anticipation for American success before the US Open, with there being five men and women inside the world’s top 20, and Pegula and Navarro both produced captivating runs at Flushing Meadows.
However, their success has come under scrutiny from fans on social media due to the wealth that each of their family holds.
Pegula’s father, Terry, is the owner of the Buffalo Bills NFL team while Navarro’s father, Ben, is a successful businessman who is the founder and chief executive officer of one of the largest buyers of consumer debt in the US, Sherman Financial Group, LLC.
What did Jimmy Connors say about the success of Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro?
A lot of the hate directed at Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro largely comes from online trolls, but it has sparked a heated response from stars within the sport.
Former Wimbledon finalists Andy Roddick and Genie Bouchard have taken to social media to voice their support for the Americans, with the latter posting to X: “Money can’t buy a US Open final.”
Now, five-time US Open winner Jimmy Connors has decided to air his thoughts on the debate.
“It almost makes you feel sick when you hear somebody try and take something away from these kids [Pegula and Navarro],” Connors said on the ‘Advantage Connors‘ podcast. “[They] are out there grinding, playing these matches, training in the hot sun, sacrificing.
“With all due respect, these kids are trying to make their own way, so why not? What’s the problem? Tell me the problem!”
Money can’t buy a US Open final
While Genie Bouchard’s comments have sometimes divided opinion in the past, her recent support of Pegula and Navarro has won over many fans.
The Canadian is absolutely right: Money cannot buy a US Open final.
Pegula and Navarro have committed their lives to their crafts and they are finally reaping the rewards with dazzling deep runs at their native grand slam. No one will be able to take that away from them.
Online hate is, unfortunately, something that athletes are becoming accustomed to. But Pegula and Navarro are humble in their approach and, certainly, silly comments will not get in the way of future success, which is inevitable in their blossoming careers.
- READ MORE: Rennae Stubbs responds to ‘nonsense’ claim about Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro after the US Open
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