Jessica Pegula issues public apology after withdrawing from WTA tournament

Jessica Pegula has confirmed her withdrawal from the ATX Open, the WTA tournament she won in 2025.

Pegula had been scheduled to face Rebecca Sramkova in her first match of the WTA 250 event, which is now underway in Texas.

But a left knee injury has forced the top seed out of the tournament, with Sramkova left to take on Yue Yuan.

Lucky loser Yuan, who suffered defeat in qualifying for the ATX Open, recovered to beat Sramkova and reach the last 16.

Jessica Pegula apologises after ATX Open withdrawal

Pegula meanwhile, who was on-site in Texas despite not being able to play, has apologised following her late withdrawal.

She posted on her Instagram story: “I’m so sorry I’ve had to pull out of the ATX Open.

“I loved playing last year and Austin has become one of my favorite stops.

“I hope to come back again soon.”

She isn’t the only high-profile withdrawal from the tournament in Texas, with Jelena Ostapenko also ruled out with injury.

The likes of Venus Williams and Bianca Andreescu did enter the competition, but both suffered losses in their opening matches.

Taylor Townsend and Iva Jovic both won their openers to reach the last 16, where they are joined by fellow Americans Peyton Stearns and Ashlyn Krueger among others.

Jessica Pegula makes smart decision to withdraw from Austin

The ATX Open has helped kick off the Sunshine Swing, taking place alongside the Merida Open in Mexico.

But Pegula has made the very sensible decision to avoid playing this week, even with a title defence at stake.

It makes zero sense to play through injury, but a withdrawal was always going to be a wise choice following her exploits in Dubai.

Pegula went all the way at the Dubai Tennis Championships, defeating Elina Svitolina in the final for her first title of the season.

The world number five is set to return at Indian Wells, which is immediately followed by the Miami Open, completing the Sunshine Swing.

Pegula, who just celebrated her 32nd birthday, has now hugely impressively reached the semifinals of her last seven tournaments.

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