American tennis player Jessica Pegula has received widespread commendation from her fellow competitors following a generous gesture that alleviated travel woes for several players. After claiming her seventh career singles title by defeating fifth seed McCartney Kessler at the ATX Open final in Austin, Pegula, who is the daughter of wealthy entrepreneurs, offered Kessler a seat on her private jet.
Both athletes faced a tight schedule as they prepared to compete in the WTA 1000 tournament at Indian Wells in California shortly after the final. By accepting Pegula’s kind offer, Kessler, along with fellow players Zhang Shuai, Yuan Yue, and Anna Blinkova, avoided the inconvenience of a longer journey with layovers in Dallas or Houston. Pegula’s decision ensured they all arrived in California in good time for their upcoming matches.
Showcasing her considerate nature, Pegula chose to wait until the conclusion of the doubles final to confirm that all players in need had the opportunity to fly. Zhang Shuai acknowledged Pegula’s selflessness on social media, stating, “She could have left right away after her singles final, but she is such a selfless and generous girl.” This sentiment resonated with her fellow players, who expressed their gratitude, even thanking Pegula’s parents, who own both the NFL’s Buffalo Bills and NHL’s Buffalo Sabres.
In a lighthearted response to Zhang’s heartfelt post, Pegula replied, “You’re too cute,” underscoring the camaraderie shared among the athletes. The kindness demonstrated by Pegula not only provided logistical relief but also allowed Blinkova and Kessler valuable time to prepare for their opening matches in the tournament.
As the fourth seed, Pegula’s first appearance at Indian Wells will be on Saturday, March 8, after having received a bye in the first round due to her ranking. This selfless act has undoubtedly enhanced her reputation both on and off the court, illustrating a spirit of sportsmanship that resonates with peers and fans alike.