In a stunning display of talent and privilege, the U.S. Open semifinals have showcased two rising stars with billionaire fathers who also happen to own sports-related properties. Emma Navarro and Jessica Pegula, both products of affluent backgrounds, have reached new heights in their respective tennis careers.

Navarro, after a dazzling victory over Paula Badosa, secured her first career Grand Slam semifinal. She attributed her success to her father, Ben, who has been her rock and number one supporter since her early days as a junior player. As the son of former Ivy League football coach Frank Navarro and founder of private equity firm Sherman Financial Group, Ben Navarro is a known figure in the sports business world. He recently made headlines for his acquisition of the Cincinnati Open two years ago and already owned the Charleston Open.

Having grown up with access to top-notch facilities and experienced coaches, Navarro acknowledged that her wealthy background played a role in her journey to the sport's elite level. However, she emphasized the hard work she has put in from a young age, spending countless hours training and honing her skills on the court. Navarro remains grateful for the resources provided to her as a child, while also emphasizing her own dedication and determination.

Joining Navarro in the semifinals is Jessica Pegula, daughter of Terry and Kim Pegula, renowned owners of the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, and several minor league hockey teams. Terry, having amassed a net worth of $7.7 billion through his success in natural gas drilling, has created a formidable empire in the sports world. Pegula's victory over top-seeded Iga Swiatek showcased her tenacity and skill, marking her first career semifinal appearance.

While Pegula's privileged upbringing has drawn attention, she dismisses any assumptions that her life is drastically different from her peers. The misconception that she lives a lavish lifestyle with personal chauffeurs and private jets amuses Pegula, who asserts that her reality is far from those assumptions. She highlights her grounded nature, stating that she leads a relatively normal life and is focused solely on her tennis career.

On the men's side, American semifinalist Taylor Fritz comes from a family with a strong tennis legacy. As the great-great-grandson of David May, founder of the May Department Stores Company, Fritz grew up in an affluent neighborhood in San Diego. With a mother who was a former top 10 tennis player and a father and uncle who were professional players, Fritz was immersed in a tennis-centric environment from a young age.

Fritz will face fellow countryman Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals, whose journey to this stage is a testament to the significance of access and resources for aspiring young players. Tiafoe's parents immigrated from Sierra Leone, where his mother worked as a nurse and his father as a construction worker at a youth tennis facility. Tiafoe's inspiring tale showcases the hurdles he overcame, living in a spare office at the tennis center and receiving free enrollment in the tennis clinic at the age of 5.

The prominence of wealthy backgrounds among the semifinalists highlights the advantages that come with financial resources in the world of tennis. From access to top-notch training facilities to the ability to fund coaching, travel, and tournament expenses, financial support plays a significant role in a player's success. While hard work and dedication are essential, it is undeniable that privileged backgrounds can provide a head start in the pursuit of greatness.

As the U.S. Open semifinals unfold, it is clear that the paths taken by these talented individuals have been shaped, in part, by their billionaire fathers and the resources at their disposal. While their achievements are undeniably impressive, the conversation around the role of wealth and privilege in sports continues to be a topic of discussion.