American Pegula pulls out of French Open

Pegula reached the women's doubles final at the French Open in 2022 with compatriot Coco Gauff

World number five Jessica Pegula has pulled out of the French Open because of ongoing neck and back injuries.

The 30-year-old has not played since winning her two matches to help the United States beat Belgium in their Billie Jean King Cup qualifier in April.

Pegula, who reached the third round at Roland Garros last year, has never advanced past the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam tournament in singles.

She expects to return for the grass season and be playing in the lead-up events to Wimbledon.

"I'm just about back to practising normal (haven’t had any issues for weeks) but played it super safe with recovery and return to play," Pegula posted on Instagram.

"If I had another five to seven 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."

Matteo Berrettini, a Wimbledon finalist in 2021, also announced his withdrawal from the French Open on Thursday.

The Italian won his first title in four years in Marrakesh earlier this year after returning from an ankle injury, which kept him sidelined for six months.

"Despite training at an increasingly high level, my team and I feel I am not quite ready for multiple five set matches in a row. I will wait to make my return on grass," he said on Instagram.

"I'm nearly there, just need a little more time."

The first round of the French Open starts on Sunday in Paris.