Jessica Pegula was unable to claim a maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, losing to Elena Rybakina in the semi-finals.
Pegula defeated 2025 champion Madison Keys on her way to the last-four but was unable to usurp Rybakina, who went on to defeat Aryna Sabalenka in the final.
Following her loss in Melbourne, Pegula’s next tournament was expected to be the Qatar Open, which begins on February 8.
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However, the American number three has since withdrawn from the event, which was last won by Amanda Anisimova.
On Wednesday, the American explained the reason behind her withdrawal in a post on Instagram.
Jessica Pegula’s points to the ‘tight turnaround’ as the reason for her Qatar Open withdrawal
In an Instagram story, Pegula said: “Unfortunately had to withdraw from the Qatar Open.
“With the tight turnaround after a great month in Australia it just didn’t work out as I had to fly home in-between.
“I’ve had some great results in Doha and always feel like I play some good tennis there. I will miss seeing the fans and wishing the tournament all the best.
“P.S. will miss a chance at the falcon trophy.”
Pegula is not the only high-profile name to have withdrawn from the 2026 Qatar Open. On Wednesday, Aryna Sabalenka’s withdrawal was announced, meaning Iga Swiatek will be the top seed in Doha.
Pegula is set to surrender 215 ranking points following her withdrawal. Pegula reached the quarter-finals at last year’s event; defeating Elina Svitolina and Daria Kasatkina before losing to Ekaterina Alexandrova.
While Pegula’s withdrawal will certainly disappoint fans of the American, the extra time off will give the American a greater chance to recover and prepare ahead of the Dubai Tennis Championships.
Jessica Pegula’s performance at the 2025 Dubai Tennis Championships
Jessica Pegula’s next tournament will be the Dubai Tennis Championships, taking place from February 15 to 21.
Last year, Pegula defeated Liudmila Samsonova in her opening match, before losing to Linda Noskova in the round of 32.
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This means Pegula only has 65 points to defend at the event, handing the American the opportunity to boost her ranking at the tournament.
The 2025 Dubai Tennis Championships were won by Mirra Andreeva, who defeated Clara Tauson in the final.
