Jessica Pegula has withdrawn from the upcoming Madrid Open, which was supposed to be her first clay-court tournament on the European continent.
A week after steering her country to the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Lindsay Davenport's first assignment as team captain, Pegula has confirmed that she will not be participating at the first WTA 1000 clay event of the season because of injury.
Pegula did not disclose the details of her injury but updated her fans through an Instagram story that she was hurt this past week. The World No. 5 was scheduled to be in Stuttgart this week to compete at the star-studded Porsche Tennis Grand Prix.
However, she had to miss the event in Germany because of what she termed as a "tough turnaround" after playing at the BJK Cup. Her absence from Madrid is slightly concerning. It is the fifth time this season that she has either retired or withdrawn from a WTA tournament.
"Hi guys not a great update, but I got hurt this past week before Madrid and unfortunately not ready to play. Thankful for some extra time at home and hope to back ASAP."
Apart from Stuttgart, Pegula has missed a tournament or a match four times because of her health. The American is one of the most durable players on the women's tour, with one of the cleanest fitness records in the past few years. This explains why she doesn't travel with a full-time physio.
Pegula has stated that she will continue to recuperate and rest at home and intends to return to action sooner rather than later. The 30-year-old will likely set her sights on competing at the Italian Open as it is the last big clay tournament before Roland Garros.
Missing Madrid could cost the four-time WTA titlist a spot in the top five, with three players not far off from eclipsing her in the rankings. She has not been ranked lower than fifth since October 2022.