Big Billie Jean King Cup Finals blow for Team USA as Jessica Pegula withdraws

No Coco Gauff, no Emma Navarro and now no Jessica Pegula in a big blow for Team USA's ambitions at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals which will take place between November 2-9.

Pegula was set to be the leading light for Team USA in Malaga. But instead she will be replaced by Ashlyn Krueger. As per Reuters, the USTA did not respond asking why she withdrew. But Pegula likely doesn't want to play double duty.

She has qualified for the season-ending WTA Finals to be held in Riyadh from November 2-9. But she last competed three weeks ago in Wuhan where she was defeated in the third round by Wang Xiyu and reached the doubles final.

The US face Slovakia in the first round of the Billie Jean King Cup Finals on November 15. The winners move on to play Australia in the Quarter-Finals. Krueger who is ranked as World No.65 in singles and 64th in doubles will join Danielle Collins who now leads the team.

As well as Peyton Stearns, Taylor Townsend and Caroline Dolehide who complete the team which is still strong but not including three of their leading lights who sit in the top ten.