
Eight Players Withdraw From WTA Guadalajara Open: Full Breakdown of Replacements
With the conclusion of the 2024 Grand Slam season following Aryna Sabalenka’s victory at the US Open, the tennis calendar moves forward to the Guadalajara Open, starting on Monday. Jelena Ostapenko and Danielle Collins lead the tournament as the top two seeds, but a series of withdrawals from key players has reshaped the competition. This article outlines which high-profile players have withdrawn and who will replace them in the draw.
Major Withdrawals from the Guadalajara Open
Key Players Who Pulled Out
- Emma Navarro: The American star, fresh off her US Open semifinal appearance, decided to withdraw. After an outstanding season, Navarro is taking some well-earned rest before the Asian swing.
- Zheng Qinwen: The Olympic Gold Medalist also withdrew after a solid quarterfinal run at the US Open, where she lost to eventual champion Aryna Sabalenka. Zheng suffered a heavy 6-1, 6-2 defeat and will now focus on recovery.
- Maria Sakkari: Last year’s Guadalajara Open champion had to withdraw due to a lingering shoulder injury that forced her to retire in the first round of the US Open.
- Bianca Andreescu: The 2019 US Open champion was granted a wild card for the tournament but ultimately decided to withdraw, with no official reason provided.
- Anna Kalinskaya: Following her partner Jannik Sinner’s US Open victory, Kalinskaya withdrew, citing the quick turnaround as a challenge for preparing for Guadalajara.
- Beatriz Haddad Maia, Taylor Townsend, and Paula Badosa: These players also announced their withdrawal from the tournament, adding to the list of high-profile absences.
Replacements in the Guadalajara Open Draw
Several players have taken the spots vacated by the withdrawals:
- Anna Karolina Schmiedlova: Replaces Navarro. Schmiedlova had an impressive Olympic run, reaching the semifinals, and could be a threat in Mexico.
- Ashlyn Krueger: Steps in for Zheng. Krueger’s powerful game suits the fast conditions of the Guadalajara courts, making her a potential dark horse for a deep run.
- Tatjana Maria: Takes Sakkari’s spot. Known for her unique style, Maria’s presence always brings a level of unpredictability and excitement.
- Sachia Vickery, Hailey Baptiste, Emina Bektas, Martina Trevisan, and Camila Osorio: These players round out the replacements and will look to capitalize on their opportunity in the main draw.
With these changes, the Guadalajara Open promises to deliver fresh matchups and unexpected performances despite the absence of several top players.
Source: https://lastwordonsports.com/tennis/2024/09/09/eight-players-withdraw-from-wta-guadalajara-open/