Jessica Pegula fires back after Buffalo Sabres controversy sparks brutal rich spoiled brat attack online

Jessica Pegula found herself in the middle of an online argument after reacting to a controversial moment involving the Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens in the NHL. The American tennis star, whose parents Terry and Kim Pegula own the Sabres, posted her thoughts after Buffalo’s painful overtime loss. But instead of just discussing hockey, one social media user turned the conversation personal and attacked Pegula over her family’s wealth.

The drama started after Buffalo appeared to score a late equalizer through Beck Malenstyn. However, referee Wes McCauley had blown the whistle just before the puck crossed the line, meaning the goal did not count. The Canadiens later sealed a 3-2 overtime win. Jessica Pegula later shared the clip on X and wrote, “Waking up to see this video. Wow.” Her short reaction quickly went viral and sparked strong responses from hockey fans online.

Jessica Pegula explains her Buffalo Sabres reaction while dealing with criticism online

One user took aim at Jessica Pegula personally and wrote, “Enjoy being a rich spoiled brat who’s earned nothing in life.” While many fans defended the World No. 5 and called the remark unnecessary, Pegula answered the comment herself with a sarcastic response. “You sound like a nice guy lmao,” Jessica Pegula replied on X.

The exchange did not stop there. The same user continued mocking Pegula and questioned her hockey knowledge because of her wealthy background.

“You’re saying wow as if you have any understanding of the game of hockey just because you’re from super wealth,” the user wrote.

Jessica Pegula later explained that her original post was not even about arguing whether the referee made the correct decision. She clarified that she simply felt bad for the Sabres players and fans after such a heartbreaking ending.

“I didn’t actually say anything about the call but everyone in my comments is raging. I just said it sucks to wake up and see it. Sucks to see them think they won but didn’t…whether you think it was right or wrong. Everyone relax lol,” she posted on X.

Away from hockey, Jessica Pegula has also stayed in the spotlight because of her strong clay-court season. The American won the Charleston Open title after beating Yuliia Starodubtseva 6-2, 6-2 in the final. She later suffered an early defeat to Marta Kostyuk in Madrid and admitted she was dealing with injuries during that period.

Her run at the Italian Open also ended in disappointment after a quarterfinal loss against Iga Swiatek. Now, Jessica Pegula is preparing for the French Open as she continues chasing the first Grand Slam title of her career. According to Getty Sports images from the 2026 French Open preview coverage, Pegula remains one of the biggest American contenders entering the tournament.