Eugenie Bouchard appears to serve up snide dig over Jessica Pegula’s privilege – after billionaire’s daughter reached US Open final

Former world number 5 Eugenie Bouchard has made a venomous comment on social media about Jessica Pegula’s historic US Open performance.

The 30-year-old Pegula reached the first Grand Slam final of her slow but steady career on Saturday afternoon during her home tournament in Flushing Meadows.

Despite her brave fight, the new world number 3 was defeated in three sets by eventual champion Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling match that was much more exciting than the scoreline suggested.

But in addition to praise for her performance, the player also receives comments about her background.

Pegula is the daughter of billionaire Terry Pegula, owner of the NFL franchise Buffalo Bills and the ice hockey team Sabres. Some tennis fans see her achievements against the backdrop of an extraordinarily privileged upbringing.

The newly minted world number 3 has enjoyed a steady rise to the top of the game in recent years

Some fans interpreted a comment from Bouchard as a mockery of the 30-year-old’s family wealth

Bouchard appeared to do the same on Sunday with her response to a comment defending Pegula, which emphasized, “You can’t buy talent and work ethic.”

In a response that some interpreted as a rebuttal to the ruling, Bouchard posted: “Money can’t buy you a US Open final, lol.”

With Pegula finishing Saturday’s match in second place, fans of the Buffalo native were quick to assume the Canadian was mocking Pegula’s inability to get past two-time Australian Open champion Sabalenka.

But amid so much criticism, Bouchard returned to social media and continued to insist that she had intended her letter as a compliment.

“How so?” Bouchard responded to a commenter who said she thought she was “dissing” Pegula.

‘I give her a compliment, she passed her GS final exams thanks to hard work, dedication, etc. and not because of the money.

Pegula had to settle for second place after losing to Aryna Sabalenka in the US Open final on Saturday

Former world number 5 Bouchard was adamant and respected Pegula’s drive and hard work

“You can’t buy your way into the US Open draw. She’s amazing. Leaving this app (disappointed face emoji).”

Pegula and Bouchard have been in a relationship as doubles partners for many years. Bouchard won her first doubles title with the wealthy scion at a tournament in Douthan, Alabama in 2012.

Pegula debunked myths about her family’s $7.7 billion fortune in the run-up to Saturday’s final, calling the rumours “a bit annoying”.

“People think I have a butler, I get chauffeured around, I have a private limousine, I fly everywhere privately. I’m absolutely not like that,” she said, before repeating in disbelief: “A butler?!

“It’s a little annoying, but honestly I just find it funny.”

Pegula is one of two daughters of American billionaires currently in the top 10, while Emma Navarro, the daughter of Ben Navarro, who has an estimated net worth of $1.5 billion, is in eighth place after reaching the semi-finals in New York last week.

Emma Navarro is also the daughter of an American billionaire who is currently competing at the top of tennis

Bouchard has almost completely retired from tennis and is now ranked 570th in the WTA rankings

Her highest career ranking was the year she reached the Wimbledon final – 2014

Navarro was similarly defeated in three sets by the all-conquering Sabalenka, who captured her third Grand Slam title last weekend.

Bouchard still competes occasionally and is currently ranked 570th, but she spends most of her time competing as a pickleball professional.

The 30-year-old has signed a contract to compete in the niche sport’s PPA Tour season in 2024, where she is ranked 27th in the rankings.