Jessica Pegula, world No 5 and American No 2, has withdrawn from the French Open.
In a statement on Instagram, Pegula said: “I’m just about back to practicing normal (haven’t had any issues for weeks) but played it super safe with recovery and return to play.
“If I had another 5-7 days I would have been there 100%”.
Pegula has reached six Grand Slam quarter-finals, and has been ranked as high as world No 3, but has not played since the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers in April.
She is the second-highest-ranked American women’s player, behind US Open champion Coco Gauff, but has been eclipsed this year by the form of Danielle Collins, who will retire at the end of this season. She is the daughter of Buffalo Bills and Sabres owner Bill Pegula.
Pegula is joined in pulling out of the Roland Garros draw, which is today at 1pm UK (8am ET), by Britain’s Jodie Burrage, who sprained an ankle in practice, and Italian former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berretini.
The tournament’s main draws begin this Sunday, May 26.
(Jerry Lai/USA TODAY Sports)
