When Zheng Qinwen recently crossed paths with Jessica Pegula in Dubai, the conversation quickly turned into a lighthearted yet fascinating cultural moment. Zheng openly wondered why Pegula, famously nicknamed “Dafu” in China, meaning “Big Rich,” would choose the physically punishing and mentally exhausting world of professional tennis instead of embracing what she described as a “high-class life.”
A Closer Look at Jessica Pegula’s Billionaire Roots and Independent Rise on the WTA Tour
Pegula’s background has long been part of her public narrative. She is the daughter of billionaire businessman Terry Pegula and sports executive Kim Pegula. Terry Pegula built his fortune through East Resources, an oil and natural gas company that he later sold for billions before expanding into professional sports ownership. The family owns the Buffalo Bills of the NFL and the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL.
According to Forbes, Terry Pegula’s net worth is estimated at $9.3 billion, a figure that frequently resurfaces whenever Jessica’s name trends in tennis discussions. Despite that backdrop, Pegula has carved out her own path on the WTA Tour and is currently ranked World No. 5.
The hilarious moment came during an impromptu appearance while Pegula and Desirae Krawczyk were filming a Dubai snack review for their show, “The Player’s Box Podcast.” Zheng referenced China’s popular social media platform, often called “Red Book,” and laughed about how Chinese fans discuss the Pegulas. Krawczyk chimed in, noting that fans call Pegula “Dafu.”
Zheng responded, “Yes, I know, ‘the big rich.’ In China we say why such a rich girl playing tennis because tennis is such a hard sport. Like why you are not, I don’t know, in those high class life.”
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In China, Jessica Pegula is famously known by the nickname “Dafu” (大富), which literally translates to “Big Rich.” While the name might sound blunt in a Western context, Chinese fans use it with a mix of humor and deep respect.
How Did Pegula, Zheng Qinwen, and Desirae Krawczyk Perform at the Dubai Tennis Championships?
The interaction took place in Dubai during their Dubai Tennis Championships campaign. Pegula captured the Dubai title on Feb. 21, defeating seventh seed Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-4 in the final. This victory marked her 10th career singles title and her fourth WTA 1000 crown.
Krawczyk reached the quarterfinals in doubles alongside partner Lyudmyla Kichenok. The pair began their run with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Miyu Kato and Fanny Stollár, followed by a three-set win against Cristina Bucșa and Nicole Melichar-Martinez, 6-2, 1-6, [16-14]. Their campaign ended in a quarterfinal loss to Anna Danilina and Aleksandra Krunić, finishing 6-1, 4-6, [10-6].
Zheng, meanwhile, withdrew from the WTA 1000 tournament on Feb. 15, citing illness.
