Jessica Pegula was forced to withdraw from her semifinal match against Daria Kasatkina at 2024 Adelaide International.
With only two days left until the Australian Open, which starts on January 14th, 2024, players are certainly looking to control their workload at tournaments before the first major, but Pegula didn't even get to do that, as she was forced to withdraw from her match.
Competing at a WTA 500 tournament in Adelaide, the American player bested three of her opponents to reach the semifinals, but she didn't get to play the semifinal match.
Shortly before the meeting with the Russian, Pegula announced that she's struggling with a gastrointestinal (GI) illness, making her unable to compete in the match.
Soon after the official announcement, the American shed more light on her situation, explaining that she already woke up not feeling well, which forced her to abandon her semifinal plans.
"Unfortunately I woke up not feeling great. Really wish I could have played tonight. Hope I can be back next year. Thanks to the tournament for a great event."
Of course, a decision like this is very sensible with the upcoming Grand Slam in mind, as Pegula probably doesn't want to make her condition any worse by playing a competitive match, an approach that players often choose before a major.
Paradoxically, it was in Adelaide last year, when both semifinalists withdrew from their matches. For Kasatkina, this means that she'll get to play in the final agains Jelena Ostapenko, who overcame Ekaterina Alexandrova.
Although the Russian is certainly disappointed that her opponent was not able to play, it's a lucky break for Kasatkina, whose quarterfinal opponent also withdrew from the tournament, making her first two victories sufficient to reach the final of the 2024 Adelaide International.
"Wishing Jess a speedy recovery and be 100% ready for AO."
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