SINGAPORE — World No. 3 Jessica Pegula has withdrawn from the 2026 Singapore Tennis Open, saying she needs more time to recover after a demanding run at the US Open.
The 32-year-old American announced her decision on Sept. 16, just days after reaching the US Open semifinals in New York. Pegula said she was disappointed to miss the Singapore event but was not yet ready to compete at the level she expects from herself.
Pegula Chooses Recovery After US Open Push
Pegula’s US Open campaign ended in the semifinals on Sept. 10, when she lost to eventual champion Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets.
The run required six singles matches and included a three-set quarterfinal victory over fellow American Emma Navarro.
Her withdrawal therefore comes after one of the most demanding stretches of her 2026 season.
Pegula had originally confirmed her participation in Singapore in August and was among the headline names announced for the tournament.
Singapore Loses One of Its Biggest Names
The Singapore Tennis Open is scheduled for Sept. 21–27 at OCBC Arena, with several prominent players still expected to compete.
Among the players listed for the event are Mirra Andreeva, the French Open champion, Amanda Anisimova, and Philippine tennis star Alexandra Eala.
Pegula’s withdrawal removes one of the tournament’s highest-ranked players, but the field retains significant international interest.
A Packed 2026 Season
Pegula’s decision also highlights the physical demands of the modern WTA calendar.
Earlier in 2026, she reached finals in Berlin, Washington and Cincinnati, while also making the Wimbledon quarterfinals and the US Open semifinals.
She finished runner-up to Coco Gauff in Cincinnati shortly before the US Open, adding another deep tournament run to an already busy summer.
After her latest withdrawal, the focus shifts toward when Pegula will return to competition rather than whether she will appear in Singapore.
Eala Still Set for Singapore Spotlight
Pegula’s exit is particularly notable for Philippine fans because Alexandra Eala remains part of the Singapore field.
Eala has continued to attract attention during her breakthrough 2026 season, and the Singapore tournament provides another opportunity for the 20-year-old to face a strong international field.
With Pegula now out, attention will turn to how the draw changes and which players emerge as the tournament’s leading contenders.
Pegula Looks Ahead
Pegula made clear that her decision was about readiness rather than a reported new injury.
She said she had been looking forward to playing in Singapore and hoped to return in the future.
For now, the world No. 3 is stepping away after a major US Open run, giving herself additional time before returning to competitive tennis.
Singapore was supposed to mark another major stop on Pegula’s Asian swing. Instead, her withdrawal leaves fans waiting to see when one of the world’s top players will be ready to step back onto the court.
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