Defending champion Jessica Pegula has pulled out of the ATX Open due to a left knee injury, just days after winning the Dubai Tennis Championships. The withdrawal occurred on her 32nd birthday and ends her hopes of defending the WTA 250 title in Austin. Pegula expressed disappointment but highlighted her fondness for the event.
Jessica Pegula, the defending champion at the ATX Open, has withdrawn from the 2026 edition due to a left knee injury. The American was set to face Slovakia's Rebecca Šramková in her opening match at the WTA 250 event in Austin, Texas, but the injury forced her out on February 24, 2026—coinciding with her 32nd birthday.
In a statement, Pegula said, “I am disappointed to not be able to defend my title in Austin. I love this event and have such great memories from last year. Hopefully I can come back in the future.” Last year, she dominated the tournament, dropping just one set and defeating McCartney Kessler 7-5, 6-2 in the final.
The withdrawal follows a grueling victory at the Dubai Tennis Championships, where Pegula claimed her 10th career WTA singles title and fourth at the WTA 1000 level. She defeated Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-4 in the final after winning five matches in five days, including two three-setters. Pegula's 2026 season record stands at 13-2, with losses only to Marta Kostyuk in Brisbane and Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open semifinals. She has reached seven consecutive semifinals dating back to last year's US Open.
Pegula's absence reshuffles the draw: Yuan Yue takes her spot, and 18-year-old Iva Jovic becomes the top seed. The WTA tweeted support, wishing her a speedy recovery.
This pullout highlights broader concerns on the tour about the packed early-season schedule. On the Player’s Box Podcast, Pegula discussed the strain: “I think it’s just a tough time of year, having less than a week in between Australia and then now we have an Abu Dhabi 500. We have four 500s, four 1000s, and one Grand Slam. You guys are crazy.” She added, “It’s just a lot. I think it’s not surprising that a lot of people didn’t want to play or were tired or hurt.”
Despite the injury, Pegula remains scheduled for Indian Wells and the Miami Open, where she was a finalist last year. As World No. 5, with a career-high of No. 3 in 2022 and a 2024 US Open runner-up finish to Aryna Sabalenka, experts like Rick Macci praise her potential. Macci stated, “Can Pegula win a slam? 100%. She can beat anybody anytime, anywhere.” Former ATP player Steve Johnson called her Dubai win pivotal for confidence, noting, “If she can continue this… she’s a Slam contender.”
