Jessica Pegula misses the French Open due to injury
The world No. 5 was doubtful for the second Grand Slam event of the year after missing the Italian Open due to back issues.
Jessica Pegula fought against her injury against the clock to be present at the French Open but hasn’t recovered in time. The American will miss the second major of the calendar due to her ongoing back problems that had already forced her to withdraw from the Italian Open.
Pegula, alongside Coco Gauff, is one of the most talented American players and has the quality to make big things in Grand Slam tournaments. The French Open was seen as a good opportunity for the Florida native to try to go for her first major, but she’s still having fitness issues and won’t be in Paris.
Pegula last played in a Billie Jean King Cup qualifier for the United States in April, which means she hasn’t played a match on red clay this season. Previously, the world No. 5 had to withdraw from February’s Middle East swing with neck issues.
The 30-year-old’s streak of 19 consecutive Grand Slam main draw appearances has ended.
Pegula: “I will definitely be back”
The American confirmed her absence at the French Open on social media, where she announced she will try to recover to be able to play in Wimbledon.
“Hi guys, unfortunately pulling out of Roland-Garros this year”, she wrote on her Instagram account.
“I’m just about back to practicing normal (haven’t had any issues for weeks) but played it super safe with recovery and return to play. If I had another five to seven days I would have been there 100%. So I will definitely be back for a full grass season and the rest of the summer and grinding out the rest of the year”, she added.
Pegula reached the quarterfinal round in all four majors. If everything goes as planned, the winner of four WTA titles will still have the chance of featuring in the remaining two Grand Slam events, Wimbledon and the US Open.