There is a superb entry list on the WTA side of the Brisbane International. The top two seeds are Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina, who contested last season’s thrilling Australian Open final. However, four players have withdrawn from the event, including two particularly notable names.
Four Players Withdraw From Brisbane International
Last season’s French Open runner-up Karolina Muchova was the first player to withdraw. Unfortunately, the Czech is not just out of the Brisbane International. Muchova has announced that she will also miss the Australian Open. This is due to a wrist injury that prevented her from making a debut appearance at the WTA Finals last season. Sadly, that long-term injury has still not fully recovered.
Last year’s US Open semifinalist Madison Keys was the second player to withdraw from the Brisbane International. Keys, who stunned fellow American Jessica Pegula during her run at Flushing Meadows, has not provided an official reason for her decision. It seems that the 2017 US Open runner-up does not want to overplay before attempting to make a deep run at the Australian Open.
Nadia Podoroska is another player who has withdrawn from the Brisbane International entry list. The Argentine has also not given an official explanation for deciding not to play at the tournament. She has reached the second-round at the Australian Open in her previous appearances in Melbourne, and hopefully she is fit to play there.
Irina-Camelia Begu is the final player to withdraw from the Brisbane International. The Romanian has not competed since the US Open due to physical issues. Those problems have not resolved in time to play in Brisbane, and Begu will hope she recovers in time for the Australian Open.
Who Replaces Those Four Players in the Draw?
Tamara Korpatsch replaces Muchova at the Brisbane International. The German had the best season of her career last year. This included winning a maiden WTA singles title in Transylvania and reaching a career-high ranking of No. 71. She will hope to build on that momentum with this opportunity in Brisbane.
Diana Shnaider benefits from the withdrawal of Keys from the Brisbane International. The 19-year-old is one of the most exciting prospects on the WTA Tour. She reached a maiden WTA final in Ningbo in September, and will hope to break into the top 50 for the first time this season.
Cristina Bucsa is now on the Brisbane entry list after Podoroska elected not to play. The Spaniard also had a very positive 2023 season. She ended the year at a career-high ranking of No. 61, and played the most consistent tennis of her career to date to achieve it.
Finally, Ashlyn Krueger replaces Begu at the Brisbane International. The American had one of the most unexpected runs to a title last season. This happened at the Japan Women’s Open, where she stormed to the title, despite being ranked outside the top 100. Her big-hitting is dangerous against any player when she finds her range.
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
