Bill’s regal status After the Hard Rock Stadium tennis victory, Jessica Pegula makes fun of the Dolphins.

Jessica Pegula is no stranger to the sports world. As a top-ranked tennis player and the daughter of Buffalo Bills owners Terry and Kim Pegula, she finds herself at the unique crossroads of professional tennis and the NFL. This dual identity adds an extra layer of excitement whenever she competes, especially in Miami, where she has a not-so-friendly rivalry with the home football team, the Miami Dolphins.

Her latest victory at the Hard Rock Stadium, home to the Miami Open and the Dolphins, was not only a showcase of her athletic prowess but also a moment for some lighthearted banter. Pegula, a proud Buffalo Bills supporter, couldn’t resist taking a playful jab at the Dolphins following her win.

A Tennis Star With Football in Her Blood

Before diving into the details of her latest Miami Open triumph, it’s essential to understand Pegula’s connection to football. Her parents, Terry and Kim Pegula, own both the Buffalo Bills (NFL) and the Buffalo Sabres (NHL), making her an integral part of Buffalo’s sports culture. While she has paved her own path in tennis, her ties to the NFL have never wavered.

Buffalo Bills fans, known for their passionate and sometimes over-the-top support, have embraced Pegula as one of their own. She has reciprocated that love by constantly supporting the team and acknowledging her unique position as both an athlete and an NFL owner’s daughter.

The Miami Open: Pegula’s Dominant Performance

At the 2025 Miami Open, Pegula was in top form. With her precise baseline game, powerful groundstrokes, and tactical mindset, she made her way through the tournament with impressive victories. One of the most anticipated matches came against Emma Raducanu, a former US Open champion.

The match was grueling, with Raducanu displaying immense resilience despite battling physical setbacks. Pegula ultimately emerged victorious with a 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-2 win. Her controlled aggression, consistency, and ability to adapt to Raducanu’s changing tactics were key factors in her success.

The win propelled her into the quarterfinals, further solidifying her status as one of the WTA’s top players. However, it wasn’t just her tennis skills that caught attention after the match—it was her witty remark about the Miami Dolphins.

The Playful Jab at the Miami Dolphins

Following her victory, Pegula spoke about her experiences at the Hard Rock Stadium, a venue she knows well due to the Bills’ matchups against the Dolphins. In a moment of lighthearted humor, she playfully commented on how the stadium is designed in a way that favors Dolphins fans over visiting teams.

She joked about how Bills fans suffer under the intense Miami sun during games, saying, “Everyone from Buffalo is just dying in the sun. It’s pretty funny.” The statement, while meant in good fun, resonated with fellow Bills supporters who have long complained about the strategic placement of visitor seating in the sunniest sections of the stadium.

The Bills-Dolphins Rivalry

The Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins have one of the fiercest rivalries in the NFL. Dating back to the 1970s, the two teams have had intense matchups filled with dramatic moments, thrilling finishes, and passionate fan engagement. For Pegula, this rivalry is personal, given her family’s ownership of the Bills.

Over the past few years, the Bills have dominated the Dolphins, with quarterback Josh Allen leading the charge. Pegula has attended multiple Bills-Dolphins games at Hard Rock Stadium, often watching from the owner’s suite, fully immersed in the rivalry. This personal connection makes playing at the stadium even more special for her.

Tennis and Football: A Unique Crossover

While tennis and football are vastly different sports, Pegula has found ways to merge the two worlds. She has frequently interacted with Bills players, many of whom admire her dedication and success on the tennis court. At the Miami Open, she was joined by Bills players Kaiir Elam and Dion Dawkins, who experienced a professional tennis match for the first time.

Their reactions were priceless. Pegula shared an amusing exchange where the players struggled to grasp the concept of doubles tennis. “They didn’t even know what doubles was. I was like, ‘Oh, Coco [Gauff] is playing, my doubles partner.’ They were like, ‘Oh, we have to go scout her out.’ I was like, ‘No, we play on the same team.’ They were like: ‘Wait. On the same—how?’” she recalled with a laugh.

This crossover between two sports worlds—tennis and football—has allowed Pegula to bring new fans into the game. Bills fans who might not typically follow tennis are now tuning in to watch her matches, adding to her growing popularity.

A Home Away From Home

Although Pegula represents Buffalo in spirit, she has a strong connection to Florida. She resides in Boca Raton, which is just a short drive from Miami. This proximity makes the Miami Open feel like a home tournament for her.

Unlike most players who stay in hotels during tournaments, Pegula takes advantage of being close to home by commuting to the stadium. “It’s kind of a weird feeling, going home after a match instead of a hotel, but I enjoy it because we travel so much. It’s nice to have a sense of normalcy,” she shared.

Embracing the Miami Open’s Atmosphere

Despite her playful jab at the Dolphins, Pegula has a deep appreciation for the Miami Open and its unique setting. The tournament, held inside the Hard Rock Stadium, offers a different atmosphere compared to traditional tennis venues. The fusion of tennis and football culture in one place makes for an electric environment that Pegula enjoys.

“I think it’s pretty cool to have a tennis stadium inside of a football stadium. It’s something we don’t usually get to see in other tournaments,” she remarked.

Looking Ahead

With her victory in Miami, Pegula continues to establish herself as one of the premier players on the WTA Tour. Her combination of skill, experience, and mental fortitude makes her a contender in every tournament she enters.

Beyond her achievements on the court, Pegula’s ability to blend tennis with her NFL connections makes her a unique figure in sports. Whether it’s joking about the Dolphins, interacting with football players, or bringing new fans into tennis, she remains an engaging and relatable athlete.

As the Miami Open progresses and the WTA season unfolds, fans will undoubtedly keep an eye on Pegula—not just for her tennis but for her entertaining and charismatic presence both on and off the court.

Jessica Pegula’s latest victory at the Hard Rock Stadium was more than just a tennis win; it was a moment that highlighted her deep ties to football, her witty personality, and her growing influence in the sports world. Her lighthearted jab at the Miami Dolphins added a layer of fun to the tournament, endearing her even more to fans.

As she continues to excel in tennis while embracing her Buffalo Bills roots, Pegula proves that sports rivalries can transcend disciplines. With a racket in one hand and football banter in the other, she remains a dynamic force in the world of sports.