Billionaire WTA star Jessica Pegula has re-established herself at the top of the WTA after her run to the US Open final, while Emma Navarro enters the top 10 for the first time this week.
While all the talk was about whether Coco Gauff could defend her US Open title and deal with her summer of dodgy form, Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro were quietly clambering up the WTA rankings.
A thrilling year for Navarro has seen her better her performance at nearly every given opportunity.
She picked up her first WTA title in Hobart at the beginning of the year before a run to the fourth round of the French Open and maiden last eight appearance at Wimbledon shoved her into the top 20.
At the US Open, New York born Navarro stormed to the semi’s before losing in three sets to eventual champion Aryna Sabalenka.
Pegula won the title in Toronto before her debut Grand Slam final at Flushing Meadows, yet both stars have come under fire for their wealthy backgrounds.
Rennae Stubbs defends Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro in wealth row
Pegula and Navarro are both the daughters of billionaires – Terry Pegula owns two sports teams including the Buffalo Bills, while Ben Navarro is the founder of Sherman Financial Group.
With their recent success, criticism has rained down suggesting the pair have sort of ‘bought’ their success.
Former Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard responded jokingly to a post on X by a user expressing confusion at the criticism directed at the American pair. She said: “Money can’t buy a US Open final lol.”