BUFFALO, N.Y. — There are eight people with connections to Western New York who are taking part in the 2024 Paris Olympics, and one of them is Jessica Pegula.
Here's what you need to know about Buffalo's Olympic athlete.
Birthplace: Buffalo
College: Pittsburgh
Age: 30
Height: 5 feet, 7 inches
Sport: Women's tennis
Profile: The Buffalo native is now a two-time Olympian.
Pegula competed three years ago in Tokyo, where she lost in the first round of singles play but reached the quarterfinals in doubles with partner Bethanie Mattek-Sands. She currently ranks fifth in the Women's Tennis Association standings.
Pegula skipped the French Open with a a neck injury that she suffered in April, but she was able to return and play at Wimbledon, where she lost 6-4, 6-7 (7), 6-1 to No. 42 Wang Xinyu in the second round earlier this month.
The daughter of Bills and Sabres owners Terry and Kim Pegula, Jessica introduced to tennis at the age of 7, and she grew up idolizing Martina Hingis. The love of the sport grew, and now she's one the top players in the world.
The American team features six first-time Olympians, the U.S. Tennis Association said when the rosters were released back in June. Pegula will be joined by No. 2-ranked Coco Gauff, Danielle Collins, and Emma Navarro in women's singles play.
Gauff, who is Pegula's doubles partner, missed the Olympics three years ago after she tested positive for COVID-19. Pegula and Gauff have won five doubles titles together.
When to watch: Olympic tennis starts July 27 at Roland Garros, the site of the French Open.