World’s richest tennis player with billionaire net worth gets $1.1M offer from Miami Open winner

Aryna Sabalenka apologized to Jessica Pegula after winning the Miami Open title with a 7-5, 6-2 victory at the Hard Rock Stadium.

Sabalenka's triumph on Saturday marks her second silverware of 2025 and continues her dominance over the world No.4. She previously bested Pegula in both the US Open and Cincinnati Open finals last year.

Post-match, Sabalenka extended an apology to the American tennis star after once again defeating her on home soil. "First of all Jess, I'm so sorry, for real. If I could share the trophy with someone, trophy, prize money, points, everything – I would definitely share it with you. I'm sorry for that," Sabalenka admitted.

"You're an incredible player, you always push me so hard to play my best. You're a great player. Congrats to you and your team on an incredible couple of weeks. I always enjoy playing against you, it's always great battles, great matches, great level of tennis.

"Continue doing what you're doing and I'm pretty sure we're going to play many more finals. I'm not sure about the results because I honestly don't want to lose in the finals, it sucks I know! But I always enjoy playing against you. You're an incredible person, player, thank you so much. Wow that was long, you see how much I like this girl!"

Sabalenka received the $1,124,380 top prize for her win in Miami, while Pegula pocketed $597,890 as runner-up. Despite Sabalenka's wish to split the prize money, Pegula has career earnings of $17.7M and may not need the cash as much as others.

(Image: Robert Prange/Getty Images)

As the daughter of Terry Pegula, she is in line to inherit a fortune due to her family's staggering net worth of $7.6 billion, as per Forbes. Pegula's father owns both the Buffalo Bills and the Buffalo Sabres, cementing their status as a powerhouse sporting family.

Her wealth aside, Pegula is determined to build her own reputation in the sporting world, craving recognition for more than just her future inheritance. Over in Sabalenka's camp, the 26-year-old thanked the US crowd for her experience in Florida.

"Thank you that the rain stopped – it felt like Miami was crying that I won this tournament," Sabalenka joked, as reported by the Express. "I'm glad it's not raining so I can talk a little bit. Thank you all the sponsors, thank you James for treating us the best way possible. Thank you everyone who helped me during this tournament. I really enjoy playing here, I enjoy every minute here.

"Winning this trophy is super special for me. Thank you my team for everything, you're not my team, you're my family. We spend 24/7, unfortunately, together. I love you so much, I really appreciate everything you do for me. I'm not an easy person but I try to do my best. I love you guys. And thank you my boyfriend I love you so much. Thank you everyone for supporting me every day."

(Image: Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images)

She added: "I enjoy playing in front of you. Thank you so much and thank you my friends who have been here and supporting me. Sorry this was probably the longest speech I ever made, I'm sorry!"

Pegula shared her mixed emotions towards Sabalenka after her third loss against the world No.1 since mid-August. Despite her frustration, Pegula was gracious in defeat. "First obviously congrats Aryna to you and your team. Three finals, it's... I really, really don't want to like you right now. But you're the best player in the world for a reason," Pegula said.

"You keep pushing everybody and challenging everybody to get better. Just congrats to an amazing couple of weeks here. Great tournament at Indian Wells too. The last month of tennis you've been able to play is amazing so congrats. Thank you to my team over in the box, my family, my coach, my hitting partner, my physio, my trainer at home, my husband, my brother and sister.

"I have a lot of friends and family here in south Florida so it's been awesome to play here and have everyone come watch me play. I really appreciate you guys getting me going the last couple of weeks. It was a long two weeks but we had an amazing tournament so hopefully we can keep that going."

When Sabalenka spoke with Sky Sports about how she would celebrate her latest victory, she confessed her plans to celebrate with tequila. "Honestly I'm speechless. Last couple of finals were really tough and tight and close ones for me. Going into this one I was so focused on myself and I was super focused and I was playing point by point," the Miami Open champion said.

"It feels super special. I'm just speechless right now and super happy with the title. First one in Miami, wow. It's just incredible. Definitely going to drink some tequila, for sure! We're going to keep it private, keep it at home. But who knows, maybe my team will tell me, 'you know what, go have fun!'"

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