Jessica Pegula once again found herself amid Buffalo Bills talk after the team shocked the NFL by firing head coach Sean McDermott after nine seasons. The move came after the Bills’ AFC Divisional Round loss to the Denver Broncos. The game was filled with controversy and strong emotions, and even while playing at the Australian Open, Pegula couldn’t help but keep in touch with the happenings of her parents’ team.
Jessica Pegula Reacts Emotionally to the End of the Sean McDermott Era
Pegula’s connection to the Bills goes far beyond being just a fan. She is the daughter of team owners Terry and Kim Pegula, who bought the franchise in 2014.
After a straight-set first-round win over Anastasia Zakharova, Pegula shared her feelings through the on-court camera, writing, “That was a catch.” The message was a reaction to the controversial overtime interception that decided the Bills’ 33-30 loss to the Broncos on Jan. 17, 2026.
Pegula later shared a photo of her camera message on her Instagram story with the caption, “Couldn’t help myself.”
After the game, McDermott repeatedly said the play should have been ruled a catch. Just two days later, he was fired, bringing an end to a stretch that included seven straight playoff appearances but no Super Bowl run.
After McDermott’s exit, she again showed her support by sharing a Bills tribute to the coach on her Instagram story, with “🫶🫶🫶” emojis, which shows just how personal the situation is for her.
Her love for the team even comes up among fellow players. Fellow compatriot Madison Keys recently said she supports the Bills because of Pegula, joking that she usually only hears about wins from her. Pegula’s reply to her post also says it all.
Pegula Faces an All-American Test in the Second Round of the Australian Open
While there has been a lot going on off the court, Pegula knows she can’t let that affect her amid the ongoing Grand Slam. The sixth seed will take on fellow American McCartney Kessler, who reached the second round after a strong first-round win over Emiliana Arango.
Pegula openly admitted it won’t be an easy matchup. “It’s a really tough second round. I’m not quite sure how she’s not seeded. I think she just missed it,” she said. Adding to the situation, the two also teamed up in doubles. However, they lost in the first round itself.
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“There are a lot of dynamics,” Pegula explained. “She’s a great girl, I know her team really well, her husband and her brother, and my coach actually used to coach her brother at the University of Florida, so there’s a little connection there.”
Even with the friendship, Pegula knows she will need to stay fully focused. “It’s kind of a shame we have to play each other so early, but she’s a really good player, an unbelievable competitor, hits a big ball, and she’s really dangerous. I’ll have to use my experience and come up with a good game plan,” the World No. 6 said. Their only previous meeting was in last year’s ATX Open final, where Pegula won.
