Jessica Pegula suffers new setback after Adelaide illness, early AO exit

Jessica Pegula’s rough start to the 2024 season continues as the world No. 4 is out of the upcoming WTA 1000 tournaments in Doha and Dubai due to a neck injury.

Pegula, 29, last competed at the Australian Open, where she suffered a shock 6-4 6-2 loss to world No. 52 Clara Burel. After exiting the Australian Open singles event, Pegula also withdrew from the Australian Open doubles event, where she and Coco Gauff were the top-seeded duo.

Previously, Pegula started her 2024 season by representing the United States at the United Cup, before competing at the Adelaide International the following week. In Adelaide, Pegula made the semifinal before a stomach issue forced her to give a walkover to Daria Kasatkina.

Jessica Pegula© Getty Images Sport – Morgan Hancock

Pegula out of Doha, where she was a finalist last year

After the Australian Open, Pegula was scheduled to return to action in Doha, which starts on February 11th. Unfortunately, Pegula won’t be making her fourth Doha appearance this year. 

In her Doha debut in 2021, Pegula enjoyed a strong run as the American reached the semifinal before losing to Petra Kvitova. The following year, Pegula returned to Doha but didn’t enjoy much success after losing in the round-of-16. 

Last year, Pegula made her third consecutive Doha appearance and enjoyed her best run at the tournament by making the final. Sadly for Pegula, she didn’t stand much of a chance in the Doha final as Iga Swiatek handed her a 6-3 6-0 loss.

Jessica Pegula© Getty Images Sport – Mohamed Farag

When it comes to Dubai – which takes place the week after Doha – Pegula was also scheduled to make her fourth appearance at the tournament this year.

In Dubai, Pegula has enjoyed less success than in Doha. After making the Dubai quarterfinal in her debut in 2021, Pegula lost in the round-of-16 at the tournament in 2022.

Last year, Pegula achieved her best Dubai result, making the semifinal before losing to Barbora Krejcikova.

Although Pegula is out of Doha and Dubai, she might still play this month as she is signed up to compete at the San Diego Open, which starts on February 26th. If Pegula also misses San Diego, then her return will likely come during the Sunshine Double in Indian Wells and Miami.