Jessica Pegula Injury Update: American clarifies knee scare ahead of season-opener in Adelaide International

Jessica Pegula opened up about her knee issue ahead of kicking her 2025 season off at the Adelaide International. The American was last seen in action at the WTA Finals where she withdrew from her final group stage match due to the aforementioned knee injury. Pegula was slated to play her season-opener at the Brisbane International but had to pull out as she was not 100% fit.

The 30-year-old will be the top seed at the upcoming Adelaide International. During a pre-tournament press conference, she addressed her knee's condition and said that she needed an extra week of recovery, which resulted in the delay of her season's kick-off. She said:

"Happy New Year, everyone. It's nice to be here in Adelaide. Off season was pretty good, I was kind of battling a little bit of a knee injury that I withdrew in Saudi with. So, I felt like it went well, but I just needed kind of little bit of an extra week. That's why I opted out of playing Brisbane, starting here instead.

"Yeah, but feeling really good. All's well. Enjoyed the nice break and ready to start 2025 season."

The injury came at an unfortunate time for Jessica Pegula, who made it to her maiden Major final at her home Slam, the US Open. However, she will look to carry the momentum into the next season as she looks to replicate her best level at the Australian Open.

---

Jessica Pegula will face Linda Noskova or Mirra Andreeva in her season opener at the 2025 Adelaide International

Jessica Pegula - Source: Getty

Jessica Pegula will kick off her 2025 season against the winner of the opening round match between Linda Noskova and Mirra Andreeva at the Adelaide International. The American will be facing a first-time opponent regardless of whoever she plays.

Noskova and Andreeva have played each other thrice with their first meeting coming in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Brisbane International which was won by the Czech in straight sets. The Russian got her revenge at the Madrid Open where she came back from a set down.

The two rising stars played each other in Brisbane yet again, in the third round, but the Russian proved to be too good for the 20-year-old. Andreeva won 6-3, 6-0, and went on to reach the semifinals where she lost to the top seed Aryna Sabalenka.

Jessica Pegula features in the top half of the draw alongside Ons Jabeur, Paula Badosa, Danielle Collins, Marketa Vonrousova, Donna Vekic and others. The bottom half, on the other hand, features second seed Emma Navarro, defending champion Jelena Ostapenko, Daria Kasatkina, Anna Kalinskaya, Madison Keys and others.