American tennis star and World No. 5 Jessica Pegula has withdrawn from the ATX Open in Austin, Texas, just hours after celebrating her 32nd birthday at the venue. The defending champion had been scheduled to open her campaign against Slovakia’s Rebecca Šramková, but a left knee injury has forced her out of the tournament, ending her hopes of retaining the title.
Jessica Pegula Withdraws From ATX Open Shortly After Celebrating Her 32nd Birthday at the Venue
Pegula has enjoyed a commanding start to the season, compiling a 13-2 record and establishing herself as one of the tour’s most consistent performers. Her only setbacks came against Marta Kostyuk in the Brisbane International semifinals and Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open quarterfinals.
Moreover, her run of seven consecutive semifinals, since last year’s US Open, is the best on tour since Agnieszka Radwańska achieved the same mark in 2015–16.
She carried that form into the WTA 1000 event in Dubai, cruising past Varvara Gracheva, Iva Jovic, and Clara Tauson before ending Amanda Anisimova’s run in the semifinals to set up a title clash with Elina Svitolina. The American looked composed from the outset, sealing a 6-2, 6-4 victory over the Ukrainian to lift the trophy in commanding fashion.
Following her triumph in Dubai, Pegula told the WTA that she feels physically strong and durable, even as one of the more experienced players in the Top 20. Thus, her title defense in Austin appeared firmly on track. But just before her opening match at the ATX Open, the American withdrew from the tournament due to a left knee injury.
“I’m so sorry I’ve had to pull out of @atxopen I loved playing last year and Austin has become one of my favorite stops. I hope to come back again soon,” she shared on her Instagram story.”
Moreover, the world No. 5 was disappointed not to be able to defend the title she won last year, when she defeated McCartney Kessler 7-5, 6-2 in the final.
“I am disappointed to not be able to defend my title in Austin. I love this event and have such great memories from last year. Hopefully I can come back in the future,” she had said during the event.Â
It is worth noting that Pegula’s shocking decision came right after she celebrated her 32nd birthday at the venue.
With tournaments like the BNP Paribas Open and the Miami Open on the horizon, uncertainty now surrounds whether Jessica Pegula will recover in time to compete in the Sunshine Double.
