World's richest tennis player to inherit $76m superyacht as she treats fellow players to private jet ride

While many tennis stars enjoy a life of opulence, Jessica Pegula's retirement could see her living on an entirely different level of luxury. The 31 year old American tennis ace may not have clinched a Grand Slam title yet, but with a personal net worth estimated at $15 million and a colossal inheritance on the horizon, she's hardly short of a bob or two.

Her father, oil magnate Terry Pegula, has a jaw-dropping fortune of $7 billion, placing him as the 373rd wealthiest individual globally according to Forbes.

Terry Pegula, 73, isn't just about the oil business; he owns the NFL's Buffalo Bills and the NHL's Buffalo Sabres. He also possesses a magnificent $76M superyacht named Top Five II, a nod to his intention to pass it down to his five children.

READ MORE: World's richest tennis star shows true colours with classy gesture to rival players

This 61-meter floating palace is kitted out with a pool, barbecue spot, jacuzzi, sauna, fire pit, and five deluxe cabins.

Image: YouTube) YouTube)

Despite her privileged background, Jessica Pegula has been determined to carve out her own success story in tennis without relying on her dad's substantial shadow. She's made it to World No 4, on her own steam, though she doesn't always turn down the family's lavish amenities, like their private jet.

After triumphing at the ATX Open in Austin, Texas, Pegula generously offered some fellow players a swanky lift to their next event in Indian Wells, California, aboard the jet, reports the Irish Star.

Yuan Yue was among the fortunate athletes to get this VIP treatment, and she couldn't contain her gratitude, taking to social media to exclaim, "Praise Miss Pegula. Okay! ! !".

"She has invited all the players in today's game (doubles final) to take a private plane together. Thank you so much! ! ! Otherwise, we would all have been on the road for at least nine hours tomorrow. Oh my God, how can there be such a beautiful lady?"

Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)

Yue's doubles partner, Zhang Shuai, was similarly grateful. "@jpegula offering everyone who playing at the Sunday final to join her private jet, you know she can leave away right after her singles final, but she is such a selfless and generous girl. This message is NOT to show I took the jet, just wanted to appreciate and transferring the love."

Despite frequently being dubbed the world's richest tennis player, Pegula has consistently rebuffed doubters who have questioned her drive for success.

The New York native has won seven singles titles, but is still waiting for her first major. The closest she came to breaking her duck was at last year's US Open.

She made it all the way to the final, but was beaten in straight sets by Aryna Sabalenka. Prior to that, the furthest she'd gone at a Grand Slam was the quarter-finals, a stage she's been knocked out in on six separate occasions in the past four years.

Click here to read article