American tennis star and world No. 5 Jessica Pegula recently opened up about the unique feeling of playing the Miami Open in her hometown. Pegula, the heiress to the renowned NFL team, the Buffalo Bills, explained that Hard Rock Stadium, the home venue of the Miami Dolphins, offers an unexpected sense of familiarity.
Jessica Pegula Explains Her ‘Weird Feeling’ Returning Home for the Miami Open
Pegula, who was born in Buffalo, comes from a family deeply rooted in the city’s sporting landscape. Her parents, Terry Pegula and Kim Pegula, own the NFL’s Buffalo Bills and the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres, strengthening their daughter’s ties to the city. However, it is also worth noting that the WTA world No. 5 grew up and primarily resides in Florida.
The American will soon start her campaign at Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins. Speaking to the press, Pegula described the Miami Open as a “fun” tournament and explained why she is more familiar with the venue than with the Buffalo Bills’ home stadium.
Having competed at the WTA 1000 event at the venue multiple times and also attended the Bills’ away games against the Dolphins there, Pegula has grown well-acquainted with the stadium.
“Growing up here, playing at home, being able to stay home (makes Miami) such a fun tournament for me,” Pegula said.
“Obviously, it’s now in a football stadium, which is another fun aspect. I know this stadium better than I know the (Buffalo) Bills’ stadium, to be honest. I come here so much for this tournament, and then I’ve come here for (Bills) away games. We’re coming in the exact same way, parking around the same area. It’s a weird feeling being back here. I know the stadium much too well,” she concluded.
Pegula most recently featured at the BNP Paribas Open, where she arrived in strong form on the back of a seven-tournament semifinal streak and looked set to extend it. She defeated Donna Vekić, Jeļena Ostapenko, and Belinda Bencic to reach the quarterfinals. However, her run was halted by Elena Rybakina, who handed her a straight-set defeat.
The 10-time tour titlist will aim for a deep run at the ongoing Miami Open. She has entered the event as the fifth seed and received a bye into the second round, where she awaits the winner of the match between Francesca Jones and Venus Williams. According to PFSN’s simulator, Jones holds a 65% chance of advancing.
