World No. 5 Jessica Pegula withdraws from French Open

Field Level Media|published: Thu 23rd May, 24:57 2024

Mar 27, 2024; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Jessica Pegula (USA) hits a backhand against Ekaterina Alexandrova (not pictured) on day ten of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

World No. 5 Jessica Pegula said Wednesday night that she is pulling out of the upcoming French Open due to her ongoing neck and back injuries.

Pegula said on Instagram that she was "unfortunately pulling out of @rolandgarros this year."

Pegula said she has been making progress and hasn't had any recent setbacks. She hasn't played in a WTA event since the Charleston Open in early April and also took part in Billie Jean King Cup qualifying the following week.

Among the events she has missed are clay-court tournaments in Stuttgart, Madrid and Rome.

"Played it super safe with recovery & return to play," Pegula said. "If I had another 5-7 days I would have been there 100 %. So I will definitely be back for a full grass season and the rest of the summer and grinding out the rest of the year."

Pegula, 30, is the second-highest ranked American woman behind Coco Gauff (No. 3). Danielle Collins (No. 12) is just outside the Top 10.

Despite her high ranking, Pegula has never advanced past the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam event. Her best finish at Roland Garros was reaching the quarters in 2022.

The French Open starts on Sunday.

--Field Level Media