"Being rich doesn't make a better player" - Serena Williams' ex-coach slams 'nonsense' narrative about Jessica Pegula & Emma Navarro's US Open success

Serena Williams' former coach Rennae Stubbs has criticized the narrative connecting Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro's success at the 2024 US Open to their wealthy backgrounds. Pegula reached her first Grand Slam final, where she lost to Aryna Sabalenka 7–5, 7–5. Navarro, meanwhile, was knocked out in the semifinals by Sabalenka 6-3, 7-6(2).

Pegula was born to billionaire parents Terry and Kim Pegula, owners of the NFL's Buffalo Bills. Navarro also comes from a wealthy family; her parents Ben and Kelly Navarro are the founders and CEO of Sherman Financial Group.

On Tuesday, Stubbs took to X (formerly Twitter) to clap back at fans who attributed Pegula and Navarro's success to their privileged upbringings, asserting that both players worked hard to earn their achievements.

“Being rich doesn’t make u a better tennis player, because in the end, it’s about the work YOU PUT INTO IT!! And u could argue, why? Why put yourself thru all that when u don’t need the money. I have so much respect for them, because THEY HAVE EARNED IT! By working their a**es off,” Stubbs wrote.

Stubbs added that their work ethic was a significant factor in their success, drawing a comparison to the Williams sisters, who came from difficult backgrounds but worked hard to achieve greatness. Stubbs pointed out that like the Williams sisters, Pegula and Navarro also worked extremely hard to reach their current level.

"Anyone who thinks because someone comes from money guarantees success, has no clue! Venus & Serena came from nothing but they worked theirs asses off to be great. Jess & Emma worked the same amount on court and off too. Were they better off, yes, does it help u WIN, NO!" she added.

Jessica Pegula describes claims that she lives luxuriously on tour as "funny”

Jessica Pegula at the 2024 US Open - Source: Getty

Before defeating Iga Świątek in the quarterfinals of the 2024 US Open, Jessica Pegula responded to the scrutiny she generally receives from fans and the press due to her parents' wealth. She told the press (via New York Post):

“It’s that people think I have a butler; I get chauffeured around; I have a private limo; that I fly private everywhere – it’s… I’m definitely not like that, I mean, people can think what they want. I just think it’s kind of funny."

I’m like, a butler? No. Not at all! But maybe I should, I don’t know. At this point, is that what you want me to do? Do all these crazy things? it’s a little annoying, but honestly, I just think it’s kind of funny because I don’t really even know anyone that lives like that. It’s outrageous," Jessica Pegula added.

In addition to reaching the final of the US Open, Pegula reached the final of the Cincinnati Open, the San Diego Open, and the Charleston Open semifinals, won the Grass Court Championships in Berlin, and claimed victory at the Canadian Open. She is currently back at her career-high WTA ranking of No. 3, a position she first achieved in October 2022.