“She’s really come on. I was saying to Cliff [her brother and a former player] she’s had injuries when she was young that would stop most players, and it’s amazing to see the intensity she has, and the will, coming from that kind of money,” Richey told TENNIS.com in an interview. Pegula is the daughter of Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres owners Kim and Terry Pegula.
“It would be interesting to know what kind of motivation she has, and why—why she stuck in there through all the injuries and surgeries.”
Richey has also enjoyed the rise of 18-year-old Coco Gauff. She says the teenager, now up to No. 4 in the rankings during season that included a runner-up finish at Roland Garros, is still gaining experience which will help her reach her potential.
“There’s been so much pressure put on her, with everyone saying she’s going to win so many majors and she’s going to be the No. 1, Maybe she’ll get to a point where she’ll not let the expectations make her so nervous,” Richey says. “Her serving holds her in there, and she needs to get her forehand a little more stable.”
The tour’s No. 1, Iga Swiatek, has dominated this season since Ash Barty retired holding the top spot after winning the Australian Open.
“I would like to have seen her and Barty play,” Richey says. “The women are interesting, because there’s, except for Iga, not a dominant No. 1, 2, 3, and it makes for interesting watching.”