When Jessica Pegula stepped onto the court for her US Open semifinal showdown, fans expected a battle of forehands, serves, and grit. Instead, much of the internet’s attention ended up glued—not on the scoreboard—but on her wrist. Yes, that sparkling $90,000 luxury watch she proudly sported as she chased a place in the final. But while the bling held steady, her Grand Slam dream slipped away in dramatic fashion.
Pegula, the daughter of billionaire Buffalo Bills and Sabres owners Terry and Kim Pegula, has never been shy about mixing class with competition. The 30-year-old has often been celebrated for her work ethic and understated personality, a refreshing contrast to her privileged background. Yet in this particular match, fans couldn’t help but draw comparisons between the extravagant timepiece ticking away and the heartbreaking clock running out on her US Open hopes.
It was all going so well at first—Pegula came out swinging, firing off winners and commanding rallies. For a moment, the Arthur Ashe crowd believed this might finally be her time. But as the match wore on, her rhythm faltered, her opponent tightened up, and suddenly the New Yorker’s dream turned into yet another Slam nightmare. The watch may have survived the sweat, but Pegula’s shot at history evaporated in straight sets.
And of course, social media had its say. Some fans admired the bold statement, praising Pegula’s ability to bring style to the court even in defeat. Others couldn’t resist poking fun—“If only her forehand was as reliable as that Rolex,” joked one commentator online. The memes came fast, mixing heartbreak with humor, with many pointing out that the $90K accessory might just be the most expensive consolation prize in tennis.
Still, Pegula handled the defeat with her trademark class. She joked about needing a Honey Deuce cocktail to drown her sorrows and promised she’d be back fighting stronger next season. The watch, much like her spirit, remained unbroken.
So yes, Jessica Pegula may have lost her shot at a $1.25 million payday in New York, but she left the court with something money can’t buy—respect, resilience, and a wrist accessory that stole the spotlight. After all, in tennis, you win some, you lose some—but if you’re Jessica Pegula, you lose some in style.
