World’s richest athlete worth more than Michael Jordan reaches US Open quarter

Billionaire tennis star Jessica Pegula has reached the quarter-finals of the US Open after dismantling Petra Kvitova in straight sets.

The American beat two-time Wimbledon champion Kvitova 6-3, 6-2 to reach a Grand Slam quarter-final for the third time this year. It came despite the match being held up for around 45 minutes at 1-1 in the first set.

Pegula, 28, will face the winner of Iga Swiatek and Jule Niemeier's match on Wednesday as she looks to progress to the semi-finals for the first time on home turf. And the world no.8 proclaimed after her victory that she had fully ‘earned her stripes’ as a tennis star despite her immensely wealthy background.

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She told BBC Sport: "I have never wanted people to think I was given things. I think I have definitely earned my stripes in the tennis world. There are people on the outside who maybe don't understand, who make assumptions."

Pegula could win her first Grand Slam title this month but the £2.2million prize on offer is but a speck compared to her enormous net worth. In fact, she could call it quits on her sporting endeavours right now and not have a single worry due to her family’s £5.8billion net worth, of which she is a heiress.

What would you do with £5.8bn? Let us know in the comments section.

In fact, the Buffalo native is more than three times wealthier than legendary NBA star and businessman Michael Jordan. Jordan is often regarded as the pinnacle of all athletes, rising from humble beginnings, conquering basketball and going on to become a successful entrepreneur.

The Chicago Bulls legend’s many business forays include being the owner of the Charlotte Hornets NBA franchise and founding his iconic Jordan brand. Yet all of his efforts according to Forbes have amounted to £1.5bn, considerably less than Pegula’s fortune.

That is due to the success of her father, Terence, who happens to be the 345th richest person in the world. Terry made his billions from natural gas development and is now the proud owner of a host of sports teams, including NFL's Buffalo Bills and NHL side Buffalo Sabres.

The family's interests extend beyond sport, too. They are also the proud owners of a £14m superyacht called 'Top Five II', which has six cabins capable of housing 12 guests. The Pegula family also owns a stunning £2.5m gated mansion in Florida.

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