BUFFALO, N.Y. — Buffalo native Jessica Pegula notched her second victory this week at the U.S. Open, defeating Sofia Kenin 7-6, 6-3.
But it's what she said after the match that got the crowd buzzing on Thursday afternoon. It happened when she was asked about her hometown support while playing at Flushing Meadows in Queens.
"I get more Bills fans here," Pegula said. "I think there's more here than Jets fans. I don't know, that might get mixed reviews."
The crowd quickly cheered and jeered Pegula's comments.
"I think I heard a couple Jets fans there," she quipped.
Pegula, as you might already know, is the daughter of Terry and Kim Pegula. She's regularly asked about the Bills and Sabres while on tour, and is constantly showing her hometown love while hundreds or thousands away from home.
Even before she played her first match this week, she received an autographed bat from another Buffalo native, New York Mets outfielder Jesse Winker.
"From one Bills fan to another," Winker wrote on the bat.
The Bills open their season at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 8 when they host the Arizona Cardinals at Highmark Stadium. Until then, she hopes to keep advancing through the brackets at the U.S. Open.
"It's really fun getting the support," Pegula said. "I know we're, we're a New York State's team. You know, everyone, when I say, 'I'm from New York,' people are like, 'Oh, New York City?' I'm like, 'No, no, no, I'm from Buffalo. It's a much different ... way further away. But thanks, everyone, for coming out and supporting, especially those Bills fans hiding out."
RELATED VIDEO:
