No. 21 in the world After contracting COVID-19, Jessica Pegula was forced to withdraw from the forthcoming Billie Jean King Cup.
This is a huge blow for the USA squad, as Pegula has been in incredible form over the last three months.
Pegula revealed that she had contracted COVID-19 in a tweet and voiced her disappointment at not being able to represent her country in the Billie Jean King Cup.
“Unfortunately due to a covid close contact & out of precaution, I won’t be able to play @BJKCup this year.
“I am upset I won’t get the chance to represent my country and that the year ends for me this way. I wish the team the best of luck and will be rooting from home,” wrote Pegula.
Unfortunately due to a covid close contact & out of precaution, I won’t be able to play @BJKCup this year. I am upset I won’t get the chance to represent my country and that the year ends for me this way. I wish the team the best of luck and will be rooting from home! ??? https://t.co/hcVi0Lc0rr
— Jessie Pegula (@JLPegula) October 26, 2021
Jessica Pegula was forced to withdraw from the Billie Jean King Cup
Pegula will be replaced by Shelby Rogers in the USA team for the tournament, which begins next week. The Finals, which will be held in Prague, will feature 12 teams divided into four groups, with the four group winners qualifying for the semifinals.
The USA team, which has won the Billie Jean King Cup 18 times, plays in Group C this year with Spain and Slovakia. The incumbent champion, France, is in Group A with Russia and Canada.
Australia, the runner-up the year before, is in Group B with Belarus and Belgium. The Czech Republic, Germany, and Switzerland make up Group D.
Meanwhile, Pegula recently married her long-time boyfriend, Taylor Gahagen.
Jennifer Brady, the runner-up in the Australian Open this year, was among the guests at the couple’s wedding. She was most likely exposed to COVID-19 at her wedding.
With her exit from the Billie Jean King Cup, the American’s 2021 season comes to a close.
Pegula reached the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career at the 2021 Australian Open.
She reached the quarterfinals of the Dubai Open, Indian Wells, and the Italian Open, as well as the semifinals of the Canadian Open.
Pegula reached a career-high ranking of World No. 21 this month as a result of her steady performances.