Jessica Pegula, ranked World No. 6, has shattered previous barriers in her tennis career by reaching her first-ever Grand Slam final at the US Open. Up until now, Pegula had been unable to advance beyond the quarterfinals in a Major, with a frustrating 0-6 record in Grand Slam quarterfinals haunting her career. However, her run in New York this year has rewritten the narrative, and it’s not just her remarkable form on the court that has people talking—her father, billionaire Terry Pegula, has made a rare and emotional appearance, breaking his own personal rule.

Terry Pegula, owner of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills and NHL’s Buffalo Sabres, is known for his hands-off approach to attending his daughter’s matches in person. He has often spoken about how watching Jessica compete in person makes him too nervous, preferring to support her from a distance rather than endure the anxiety that comes with witnessing her high-stakes performances firsthand. In the past, he has been notably absent from major tournaments and milestones, even as his daughter climbed the ranks of professional tennis.

But this week, everything changed. During Jessica Pegula’s semi-final match against Karolina Muchova at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium on Thursday, Terry Pegula made a surprising appearance, cheering from the stands. For many fans and commentators, this was a significant and touching moment, underscoring the importance of Jessica’s latest achievement.

Local sports media in Buffalo, where Terry Pegula is a highly prominent figure, were quick to react. Jon Scott, sports director of WGRZ (a local TV station), expressed his surprise on Twitter: “Terry Pegula shown watching daughter Jessie in U.S. Open semifinal. He’s said in the past he gets too nervous to watch her in person.” Scott’s tweet captured the sense of the unusual nature of Pegula’s presence in the crowd—a rare moment for a man who had steadfastly avoided being seen at his daughter’s matches for years.

The billionaire’s choice to break his long-standing rule is a testament to the magnitude of Jessica’s journey and her breakthrough moment in the tennis world. His presence signified just how important and emotional this run is for the Pegula family, as Jessica has fought her way to the cusp of winning her first Grand Slam title.

Jessica Pegula’s journey at this year’s US Open has been one of resilience and determination. Known for her powerful baseline game, consistency, and tactical intelligence, Pegula has steadily risen through the ranks of women’s tennis, earning a reputation as one of the most formidable players on the tour. But despite her solid performances in smaller tournaments, Grand Slams have historically been a stumbling block for her. Reaching six quarterfinals in the past only to fall short each time had placed a mental and emotional burden on her. This US Open run, however, has been different.

Facing tough competition, Pegula defeated top-seeded opponents and managed to hold her nerve in key moments, showcasing a newfound confidence and poise under pressure. Her semifinal clash with Muchova was a particularly grueling test, but Pegula displayed a relentless fighting spirit, much to the delight of fans—and, for the first time in her Grand Slam career, to the eyes of her father in the audience.

For the Pegula family, this moment is not just about tennis. As one of the wealthiest and most influential families in American sports, the Pegulas are used to the spotlight, particularly Terry, who made his fortune in natural gas before buying the Buffalo Bills in 2014. His decision to stay away from Jessica’s matches has been well-known, making this appearance at the US Open a deeply personal and symbolic gesture.

As Jessica Pegula now prepares for the biggest match of her career in the US Open final, the stakes could not be higher. If she can claim the championship, it would mark the culmination of years of hard work and dedication—not just for herself, but for the Pegula family, who have navigated the world of professional sports from both the ownership and competitive sides.

With her father now breaking his self-imposed rule to support her from the stands, Jessica Pegula will enter the final knowing that she has both the emotional and physical backing of her family, fans, and an ever-growing legion of supporters.

The question remains: Can Jessica Pegula complete her fairy-tale run and secure her first Grand Slam title? If her performance in this year’s US Open is any indication, she has the skills, the mindset, and now, the presence of her father, to go all the way.

The world will be watching as Jessica Pegula takes her shot at history—this time, with her billionaire father cheering her on from the front row.