Eugenie Bouchard was dismayed to see that Jessica Pegula had misinterpreted her post and thought she was taking a shot at American instead of defending her.
She became one of the standout stories at this year’s US Open after upsetting American Iga Svitek – ending her 0-6 run in Grand Slam quarterfinals – in a tight two-set battle with Arena to make her first major final. Sabalenka. While most of the comments were praises coming the 30-year-old’s way, there were also some very nasty comments, with some mentioning her family’s wealth in a negative light and expressing hatred for her position.
That led to a post by someone in defense of the 2024 US Open runner-up, which has since gone viral.
«Jessica Pegula is a ‘granddaughter’ and comes from a rich family so I don’t understand why she hates her. She seems like a down to earth and fun person and worked her ass off to get up the ladder. Like everyone else. Player. Talent and work ethic can’t be bought,» read X.
Bouchard was among those who noticed this and she replied: «Money can’t buy US Open finals lol.»
Money can’t buy the US Open final lol
— Genie Bouchard (@geniebouchard) September 9, 2024
To some, the Canadian appeared to be mocking critics of the Americans and sarcastically suggesting that the money would not end the slam. But as a 2014 Wimbledon finalist, there were also suggestions that she would not be able to take a dig at the current world No. 3 and buy a US Open title with her wealth.
This led to some mixed reactions, but the former world number 5 was also critical. But after some time, a couple of fans noticed that the Canadian was perhaps being unfairly targeted.
Fans defend Bouchard, she responds to criticism: Leave this app…
«Everyone is getting Jennie’s tweet wrong? I thought what you were saying was that money can’t get you to the top, the implication is that you have to have talent and put in the work. I don’t think you hate it. Jess, am I wrong at all? One fan posted.»
Another pointed out: «That’s exactly what she meant. Reading is basic and some people can’t do it.»
That was what she meant. Reading is basic and some people just can’t do it.
– Jennifer L. Estrada (@Jeniestra) September 9, 2024
«I thought Ginny was against Jess, and I was shocked. But yes, re-reading it, it looks like she’s praising Pegula,» another post read.
One person completely unloaded on the Canadian critics: «You’re right. Unfortunately, there are a lot of idiots in the world. I’m confused as to how they can completely twist Jenny’s words.»
After noticing some of the comments about her and some of the fans standing up for her, Bouchard explained that she was absolutely defending Pegula: «Literally how? I’m cheering her on. With hard work, determination, she made it to GS Finals BC. Etc. You can’t buy it with money. You can’t buy it through our open draw.
How literally? I am thanking her, GS. End BC with hard work, determination, etc. She got money. You cannot buy your way through our open drawing. She is very surprised. Exit this app 🙄
— Genie Bouchard (@genieebouchard) September 10, 2024
Pegula has made her feelings on the matter very clear.
The world number 3 comes from one of the wealthiest families in the United States as her father, Terry, is a multi-billionaire. But while the American tennis star has never been vocal or boastful about her wealth or anything like that, she still doesn’t shy away from receiving hateful comments as some feel she’s lucky and shouldn’t be working. A single thing in her life.
At the last US Open, the top-ranked American tennis player has openly admitted that she has heard «sad» theories about her lifestyle and doesn’t like it at all.
«I did some media stuff the other day. They were like, what’s so annoying? People think I have a butler, so I have a chauffeur around. I have a private limo, I fly myself everywhere. I’m definitely not like that, it’s a little annoying, but honestly. I think it’s funny because I don’t even know anyone who lives like that,» Pegula told the New Yorker.
