Jessica Pegula's WTA Finals hit a snag after luggage nightmare as World No.4 calls out United Airlines

Jessica Pegula has not faced the easiest preparation for next week's WTA Finals, as her build-up has gone wrong even before a ball has been hit. She has been forced to spend time dealing with United Airlines over being on the practice court, as she called out the airline on social media.

Pegula last played at the Wuhan Open, where Jelena Ostapenko beat her 2-6, 7-6, 6-3 after saving three match points in the second-set tie-break. Prior to that, she made a stellar run to the semi-finals of the US Open, losing to Aryna Sabalenka, though for the third year in a row.

But she has had another superb season. She will compete at the WTA Finals again, which will take place between November 8 and 15 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California. It moves to California after two editions in Riyadh with the draw set to take place later today on November 3.

However, while other players had been preparing there, United Airlines had other ideas when it came to Pegula, as the Americans' trip there did not go to plan. She expressed frustration with the airline on X, detailing how they cancelled her flight and sent passengers to baggage claim. Then they reinstated it and departed with the bags still on board. Add to that having to sit for more than two hours in a torrential downpour; everyone else went back to the gate, and baggage had no idea what was happening. An occurrence which sounds crazy, and Pegula, who of course travels a hell of a lot for tennis, called out as the 'craziest thing' she has ever seen.

"@united explain to me how you cancelled our flight. You tell us to go to baggage claim and then uncancel the flight and take off with our bags. We also sat on the plane for 2+ hours in a torrential downpour when everyone else went back to the gate. Then baggage services had 0 clue what was happening and kept saying they would pull our bags. Meanwhile, the flight took off. Craziest thing I’ve ever seen," Pegula posted.

As expected, Pegula got a stock reply from the airline. "We understand that travel doesn’t always go as planned, and we’re sorry for the frustration, Jessie. Please DM us your confirmation number so we can assist. " But as the Californian sunshine draws in, Pegula will hope that it doesn't affect her preparation for the end of the season too much as she looks to end on a good note and not on an unlucky omen after the flight debacle.