Jessica Pegula, a professional tennis player and daughter of Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula, recently criticized the Miami Dolphins following her recent triumph. Competing in Miami, Pegula has reached her third semi-final in four years at the Miami Open.

She claimed a three-set win over Alex Eala at Hard Rock Stadium on Thursday evening. As a result, she is set to face the formidable Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday to determine the tournament victor. The final will be held at the Miami Gardens stadium, also the home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.

After defeating Emma Raducanu on Wednesday, Pegula expressed her interest in the NFL by making a playful jab at the Dolphins, likely pleasing her father. “Thank you all for being here. I love playing here, it’s like home. I enjoy winning in the Dolphins’ stadium, just saying. Sorry, everyone,” Pegula remarked with a laugh. “I always perform well here. Truly, and your support is incredible.”

A complex relationship

Despite their constant support, Pegula once disclosed that her relationship with her father, the billionaire owner of the Buffalo Bills, wasn’t always smooth in terms of tennis. In a 2021 conversation on the Bills Pod Squad podcast, Pegula openly talked about her father’s influence on her career, admitting they often disagreed on the tennis court.

“Dad and I are like oil and water on the tennis court – it doesn’t mix well,” Jessica stated. Nonetheless, she recognized his role in motivating her to excel, stating, “He certainly always pushed me to improve. To work hard, always work hard, you can always outwork someone. He’s very traditional.”

While her father stressed hard work, her mother, Kim Pegula, adopted a more caring approach, concentrating on Pegula’s well-being and fitness. “You were more about off-court,” Pegula mentioned regarding her mother’s involvement. “Like the diet, the recovery, the training, and things like that.”