Preparations for the Australian Open have hit a bump in the road for a top 10 WTA player.
Jessica Pegula, 30, was due to commence her season at the Brisbane International ahead of starting another quest for glory in Melbourne.
Pegula would have been feeling confident about her chances after reaching her first Grand Slam final at the US Open in September.
But while there is still time before the action gets underway at the Australian Open, this is not how the American wanted to start the new season.
Jessica Pegula will not play at the Brisbane International
Jessica Pegula was due to commence the new season at the Brisbane International.
This is one of the premier tournaments players enter to boost their preparations for the Australian Open.
But the event will take place without Pegula, as it has been confirmed that she will no longer be able to play due to a knee injury.
“Jessica Pegula has withdrawn from the Brisbane International due to a knee injury,” the tournament wrote on X.
“As a result Suzan Lamens from the Netherlands will take her place in the main draw.”
Jessica Pegula’s injury problems continue
Pegula has been battling some injury issues since the conclusion of the 2024 WTA season.
The World number seven withdrew from her final round robin contest at the WTA Finals against Iga Swiatek due to injury.
She did compete against Emma Navarro at Maddison Square Garden on December 4 however, albeit under exhibition rules.
2024 was an injury-interrupted year for Pegula, as she missed the vast majority of the spring clay court swing due to a knee problem.
It is a problem that seems to have re-occurred, but Pegula will be aiming to recover in time and be at full fitness for the Australian Open.
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