Boca Raton's Jessica Pegula pulls out of French Open with neck/fitness issues

Marc Berman

Special to The Post

• The French Open starts Sunday.

Boca Raton’s Jessica Pegula is pulling out of the French Open as her injury-marred season continued with recent neck/fitness issues.

On social media, Pegula, who moved to Boca Raton at age 13 and is the daughter of the Pegula family who own the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres, said she will be back for the grass court season culminating in late June with Wimbledon.

The French Open starts Sunday.

After a strong American hardcourt spring, with semifinal runs to the San Diego Open and Charleston Open and a quarterfinal berth at the Miami Open, the 5th-ranked Pegula had an apparent relapse of a neck injury.

Pegula had originally missed the Middle East tour in the winter with a neck issue before making her return during the USA swing. However, Pegula has not played since winning her two matches to help the USA beat Belgium in their Billie Jean King Cup qualifier in April, missing the clay court tour leading into Roland Garros - the second major of 2024.

On Instagram, Pegula admitted she was healed but needed a bit more time. She said she's not in the proper shape to compete at the French Open.

"Hi guys - unfortunately pulling out of @rolandgarros this year. I'm just about back to practicing normal (haven't had any issues for weeks) but played it super safe with recovery & return to play. If I had another 5-7 days I would have been there 100%.

"So I will definitely be back for a full grass season and the rest of the summer and grinding out the rest of the year. Gotta get that match count up.”