Jessica Pegula, the daughter of the Buffalo Bills’ billionaire owner, was watching the side’s NFL match against the Cincinnati Bengals on her phone when Damar Hamlin collapsed.
The world No.3 was sitting courtside at Ken Rosewall Arena during teammate Frances Tiafoe’s match on Tuesday morning as the incident in Cincinnati unfolded.
Pegula, who had finished her own match just an hour earlier, was shocked and “felt sick” by what she saw. Hamlin was given CPR before being driven to a hospital, where he was reported to be in a critical condition.
“During Frances’ match, I had the game on my phone … Sorry [Frances],” said Pegula, who was sitting next to her US teammate in the post-match press conference.
“When that happened, we didn’t watch much of the game. It happened at the end of the first quarter. It’s just terrible. Just terrible. There’s really no words. I’m glad they stopped the game. It just brings you to the fact there are a lot bigger and more important things than sports and games.
“I’m glad they stopped the game. I’m glad they’re trying to support him, but it was pretty scary. I don’t really know much else. Obviously, it’s pretty frantic there right now.
Frances Tiafoe and Jessica Pegula on Tuesday.Credit:Getty
“I just felt sick … I think everybody felt that way that was watching. I don’t know him personally. I don’t think I’ve actually met him, but with [our] teams, they’re like family. It’s definitely not something we want to see.”
Terry Pegula, her father, is one of the wealthiest people in the US. Forbes estimated his net worth to be about $US6.7 billion ($9.9 billion).
Terry and his wife Kim own both the Bills in the NFL and the Buffalo Sabres in the NHL. The Pegula family, which made its money from oil and gas, purchased the Bills for $US1.4 billion in 2014.
Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula and his wife Kim speak to the media earlier this year.Credit:AP
Pegula’s support for ‘legend’ Navratilova
Still on Pegula, and she had plenty to say about the sad news regarding Martina Navratilova, whose cancer has returned.
“I see her a lot. She lives near me,” Pegula said. “I’ve been on several flights with her this year when she’s got her dog with her. She’s always so nice and genuine, and someone that is like a legend of the game.
“Just to see her go through that, especially when I feel like the last year I’ve seen her around so much at tournaments, commentating, doing stuff, yeah, it’s just terrible. But I’m hoping, obviously, the tennis community will come around her and support her as much as we can.”
Rottnest retreat
They might be out of the United Cup but Team Argentina decided to stay back and visit the picturesque Rottnest Island off the Perth coast on Tuesday.
Argentinian player Tomas Martin Etcheverry and his partner Belen at Rottnest Island.Credit:Tennis Australia / Mark Peterson
World No. 75 Federico Coria and his partner Firenze, joined Tomas Martin Etcheverry and his partner Belen (pictured above) on the island.
World No.30 Francisco Cerundolo and 2011 Australian Open doubles champion Gisela Dulko were also in attendance.
Climbing into contention
The Argentinians weren’t the only ones getting around the sights of Australia.
The Great Britain team, fresh off their respective triumphs over Australia and Spain, spent Tuesday morning climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Team Great Britain in Sydney on day six of the United Cup.Credit:Tennis Australia
Stars align for cup
There were a few notable faces in the crowd at the United Cup over the past few days.
The Bachelor stars Matthew Johnson, Laura Byrne and Tim and Anna Robards were behind the baseline for Alex de Minaur’s incredible performance against Rafael Nadal on Monday Night.
So too Lleyton Hewitt’s wife Bec, who was sitting in the player guest box above the Team Australia dugout.
Canterbury Bulldogs legend Hazem El Masri was spotted at Ken Rosewall Arena for Jason Kubler’s match on Tuesday night. Fat Pizza actor and comedian Tahir Bilgic was also at the venue with Rob Shehadie, who is married to Hewitt’s sister Jaslyn.
Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
