Jessica Pegula’s road to the 2025 Australian Open has encountered a significant setback as the American tennis star announced her withdrawal from the Brisbane International. This latest development has raised concerns about her chances of competing at the Melbourne Grand Slam, which kicks off on January 12.
Jessica Pegula’s 2024 season ended prematurely after she sustained a left knee injury during the WTA Finals. The World No. 7 experienced a tough start, remaining winless in her opening two round-robin matches. Before her scheduled clash against top seed Iga Swiatek, Pegula opted to withdraw from the competition, signaling the seriousness of the injury.
Since then, Jessica Pegula has been on the road to recovery, missing the United Cup at the start of 2025. However, her lingering knee issue has now forced her to forgo the WTA 500 Brisbane International, a crucial warm-up event ahead of the Australian Open. On Thursday, December 26, event organizers confirmed Pegula’s withdrawal, announcing that Dutch player Suzan Lamens would take her place in the main draw.
It has been nearly two months since Jessica Pegula initially sustained the injury, leaving her with just under two weeks to regain fitness for the Australian Open. The prestigious tournament remains one of Pegula’s key targets, but her availability hangs in the balance as she continues rehabilitation.
In the previous edition of the Australian Open, Jessica Pegula opened her campaign with a commanding 6-2, 6-4 victory over Rebecca Marino. However, her journey was cut short in the second round by Clara Burel, who triumphed 6-4, 6-2. Despite the early exit, Pegula’s best results in Melbourne include three consecutive quarterfinal appearances from 2021 to 2023.
With Pegula sidelined, the Brisbane International main draw—set to commence on December 29—will see Aryna Sabalenka, Emma Navarro, and Daria Kasatkina among the headline contenders for the title. The absence of Pegula leaves a competitive field, but her fans will eagerly await news of her condition as the Australian Open draws nearer.
As Pegula continues her rehabilitation, the tennis world watches closely, hoping for her swift recovery and a chance to see her return to form on the courts of Melbourne.