20 minutes ago: “At 74, my health is failing. I want to see my daughter on the court one last time, but…” Billionaire Terry Pegula, father of tennis player Jessica Pegula, after more than 24 hours in a coma in the hospital, delivered a short but emotional speech that shocked the entire hospital. Jessica Pegula called out “Dad!” in tears of pain…
The tennis world was plunged into stunned silence just minutes ago as deeply emotional reports emerged from a private hospital in the United States, where billionaire businessman Terry Pegula, 74, the father of world-class tennis star Jessica Pegula, reportedly regained consciousness after more than 24 hours in a coma. What followed, according to witnesses, was a brief but heartbreaking speech that left doctors, nurses, and family members in tears—and sent shockwaves through the global sports community.
Sources close to the family say Pegula had been hospitalized after a sudden and severe health crisis, the exact nature of which has not been officially disclosed. For more than a full day, he remained unresponsive, surrounded by family members who feared the worst. Doctors reportedly warned that if he awoke, his condition would remain extremely fragile. Then, just 20 minutes ago, the impossible seemed to happen.
According to hospital staff present at the scene, Terry Pegula slowly opened his eyes, recognized his surroundings, and asked in a faint voice for his daughter. Jessica Pegula, who had not left the hospital since his condition worsened, rushed to his bedside. What happened next is already being described by witnesses as one of the most emotional moments ever seen within those hospital walls.
In a weak but steady voice, Pegula reportedly said: “I am 74 now. My health is failing. I don’t know how much time I have left. I just want to see my daughter on the court one last time… but I don’t know if I’ll be strong enough to wait.” The room fell silent.
Doctors paused their work. Nurses reportedly turned away to wipe their eyes. And Jessica Pegula, one of the strongest competitors on the WTA Tour, broke down completely.
“Dad!” she cried, clutching his hand, tears streaming down her face as her voice echoed through the room. Witnesses say her pain was raw and unfiltered, a reminder that behind the rankings, trophies, and prize money, she was simply a daughter facing the possible loss of her father.
Terry Pegula is widely known not only as a billionaire entrepreneur but also as one of the most devoted parents in professional sports. Throughout Jessica Pegula’s career, he and his wife Kim Pegula have been constant presences, supporting her through injuries, setbacks, and breakthroughs. Despite his immense wealth, those close to the family have often emphasized his humility and his deep pride in his daughter’s perseverance on the tennis court.
Jessica Pegula herself has spoken openly in past interviews about how her parents’ strength shaped her mental resilience. She has battled serious injuries, long absences from the tour, and the constant pressure of being labeled “a billionaire’s daughter” rather than being judged purely on her athletic merit. Over time, she earned respect through results, discipline, and quiet determination. That is why today’s events have struck such a powerful chord.
Within minutes of the news leaking from the hospital, social media was flooded with messages of support from fans, fellow players, and former champions. Many described the moment as “devastating,” while others praised the bond between father and daughter as one of the most genuine in professional sports.
Several players reportedly reached out privately to Jessica Pegula, offering words of comfort and urging her to take all the time she needs, regardless of upcoming tournaments. While no official statement has been released by her team, sources suggest that her tennis schedule is now completely uncertain as she remains at her father’s bedside.
Doctors have not commented publicly on Terry Pegula’s prognosis, but insiders describe his condition as “extremely serious.” His brief speech, though emotionally powerful, reportedly left him exhausted, and he was soon sedated again for monitoring. Whether he will regain full consciousness remains unknown.
For many fans, the most haunting part of the story is the simplicity of his wish. Not wealth. Not legacy. Not business success. Just one more chance to watch his daughter do what she loves on the tennis court.
As night falls outside the hospital, the tennis world waits—holding its breath, united not by rivalries or results, but by a shared hope. Hope that Terry Pegula may yet see his daughter compete again. Hope that Jessica Pegula can find strength in the love that has carried her this far. And hope that, sometimes, the most powerful moments in sport happen far away from the stadium lights.
As night falls outside the hospital, the tennis world waits—holding its breath, united not by rivalries or results, but by a shared hope. Hope that Terry Pegula may yet see his daughter compete again. Hope that Jessica Pegula can find strength in the love that has carried her this far. And hope that, sometimes, the most powerful moments in sport happen far away from the stadium lights.
