Jessica Pegula Announces Unfortunate News Ahead of Billie Jean King Cup 2021

World No.21 Jessica Pegula had to forcefully withdraw from the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup after getting exposed to COVID-19. For the USA team, this comes as an enormous blow since Pegula has been in sublime form over the last few months.

Through a tweet, Pegula announced about having contracted COVID-19 and expressed her disappointment over not being able to represent her country at 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.

Oct 10, 2021; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Jessica Pegula (USA) hits a shot against Jasmine Paolini (ITA) at Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Jessica Pegula out of Billie Jean King Cup due to COVID-19 scare

Shelby Rogers will replace Pegula in the USA team for the tournament which starts next week. To be held in Prague, the Finals will feature 12 teams divided into four groups and each of the four group winners will qualify for the semifinals.

The USA team, which is the most successful team in Billie Jean King Cup’s history with 18 titles, is in Group-C alongside Spain and Slovakia this year. France, the defending champion, is in Group-A next to Russia and Canada.

The previous year’s runner-up, Australia, is in Group-B with Belarus and Belgium. Group-D comprises the Czech Republic, Germany, and Switzerland.

Aug 13, 2021; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Jessica Pegula from USA serves against Ons Jabeur from Tunisia (not pictured) during the quarterfinals at Stade IGA. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

Meanwhile, Pegula married her long-time boyfriend, Taylor Gahagen, a few days back. Many popular guests attended the couple’s wedding, including this year’s Australian Open runner-up, Jennifer Brady. It is likely that she got exposed to COVID-19 at her wedding.

The American’s exit from the Billie Jean King Cup also brings an end to her 2021 season. For the first time in her career, Pegula reached the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam at the 2021 Australian Open.

She finished as a quarterfinalist at the Dubai Open, Indian Wells, Italian Open, and a semifinalist during the Canadian Open. Owing to her consistent performances, Pegula achieved a career-high ranking of World No.21 this month.

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