Jessica Pegula withdraws from February Middle Eastern tournaments with neck injury

World No. 4 Jessica Pegula will miss the Middle Eastern swing of the WTA Tour in February 2024. Pegula recently withdrew from the Doha and Dubai tournaments with a neck injury.

Pegula is having a rough start to the year. She was part of the USA team that could not defend its 2023 United Cup championship. She withdrew from Adelaide with an illness in the semifinals and lost in straight sets in the second round of the Australian Open to World No. 52 Clara Burel and subsequently pulled out of the Australian Open doubles event with Coco Gauff.

Pegula has a good track record in the Middle East tournaments specifically at Doha. She was the singles finalist last year losing to Iga Swiatek. Pegula also made it to the doubles final and won her second consecutive title with partner Coco Gauff last year in Doha.

The extent and severity of Pegula's injury is unknown

We have not heard anything directly from Jessica Pegula on this situation. The injury could have occurred at the Australian Open given the fact she withdrew from doubles after her singles loss. The WTA announced the Pegula news on its website. It is difficult to determine the severity of the injury from the minimal information provided.

Pegula will turn 30 on February 24. Tennis careers can span well past the age of 30 in this era, but keeping the body healthy and playing the rigorous schedule become more challenging tasks.

Last year, Pegula admitted that she and Gauff would play less doubles in 2024 so that they could focus on their singles careers. The pair wanted to play together early in the year so they could be ready for doubles at the Paris Olympics. As of February 1, they have yet to play a doubles match in 2024.

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