Bouchard appeared to hit out at Pegula after US Open final loss
Genie Bouchard has decided to leave X (formerly Twitter) after a post she made about fellow tennis player Jessica Pegula caused an unexpected backlash.
The controversy erupted on Monday when Bouchard posted the comment, “Money can’t buy a US Open final,” shortly after Pegula reached her first Grand Slam final at this year’s tournament.
Pegula, the daughter of billionaire Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula, has faced scrutiny throughout her career due to her wealthy background, leading some users to misinterpret Bouchard‘s message as a dig at Pegula.
On Tuesday, Bouchard took to X to clarify her intent, stressing that she had meant to compliment Pegula, not criticize her.
Responding to a user who suggested her post was intended as shade, Bouchard tweeted, “Literally how? I’m complimenting her, she achieved a GS final bc of hard work, dedication, etc., not bc of money. You can’t buy your way thru the US Open draw. She’s amazing. Leaving this app.”
The controversy comes after Pegula herself addressed misconceptions about her upbringing during a press conference following her Round of 16 victory at the U.S. Open.
Pegula, ranked No. 3 in the world, has had to deal with assumptions about her family’s wealth throughout her career.
“People think I have a butler, that I get chauffeured around… I fly private everywhere… I’m definitely not like that,” Pegula said, addressing how she’s been portrayed.
Pegula’s privileged background
The speculation around Pegula‘s background became a talking point during the tournament, and some fans questioned why her success is often linked to her family’s financial status.
One user on X expressed frustration over the judgment Pegula faces, writing, “She seems like a down-to-earth and fun person who worked her ass off to climb in the rankings. Just like EVERY PLAYER.”
This prompted Bouchard to share the post with the comment, “Money can’t buy a US Open,” followed by a clarification on Tuesday that read, “Talent, hard work, discipline, etc.”
Though Bouchard‘s post was intended to praise Pegula‘s dedication and hard-earned success, the misinterpretation online led to intense discussions.
Pegula eventually lost the U.S. Open final to Aryna Sabalenka, 7-5, 7-5, but the conversation around her background continued, drawing more attention to Bouchard‘s remarks.
Bouchard, who reached the Wimbledon final in 2014, has since shifted her focus to pickleball, a sport she began playing earlier this year.
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