The action continues next week on the WTA and ATP Tours, with the combined Adelaide International taking place. There is an outstanding entry list on the WTA side of the tournament. Last year’s Australian Open runner-up Elena Rybakina and 2023 WTA Finals runner-up Jessica Pegula are just two of the top players set to play. However, four players have elected to withdraw from the Adelaide International. This article names those who have withdrawn, and then lists their four replacements in the draw.
Four WTA Players Withdraw From the Adelaide International
Which Players Have Withdrawn?
Last year’s French Open finalist Karolina Muchova is the first player to withdraw from the Adelaide International. Unfortunately, that is not the only tournament that the Czech has withdrawn from. Muchova also announced she could not play the Australian Open due to a persistent wrist injury. This is the same problem that stopped her from playing at the WTA Finals last season. The tennis world will be hoping she recovers as quickly as possible.
Last year’s US Open semifinalist Madison Keys is the second player to withdraw from the Adelaide International. However, her story is the same as Muchova’s, because Keys has also withdrawn from the Australian Open. This is due to a shoulder injury. Keys is a two-time semifinalist in Melbourne, and was in great form at the US Open last season. It is a tough setback for the American.
Elina Svitolina is another player who has decided to withdraw and is now not on the Adelaide International entry list. The Ukrainian’s first tournament of the season in Auckland has been a superb one. She reached the final against Coco Gauff, with her run including a victory against the returning Emma Raducanu. Understandably, last year’s Wimbledon semifinalist feels some extra recovery time is needed. In addition, her husband, Gael Monfils, is in action at the ATP edition in Auckland next week.
Qinwen Zheng is the last player to withdraw. The 21-year-old represented Team China in her first event of the season at the United Cup, where they reached the quarterfinal. She likely wants some extra recovery time before the Australian Open. Zheng was voted the WTA’s most-improved player last season, and will be hoping for a Grand Slam breakthrough this year.
Who Replaces Those Four Players in the Draw?
Jasmine Paolini replaces Muchova at the Adelaide International. The 28-year-old represented Team Italy at the United Cup in her opening tournament of the season. She had her best-ever season last year, which included runner-up finishes at her home tournament in Palermo and at the Jasmin Open.
Lesia Tsurenko benefits from the withdrawal of Keys. The veteran 34-year-old defied expectations and had one of her best seasons last year. She reached her first final in four years at a WTA 250 tournament in Thailand and also progressed to the fourth round at both the French Open and Wimbledon.
Svitolina is replaced at the Adelaide International by another Ukrainian. Marta Kostyuk has now entered the draw. The 21-year-old also had a solid 2023. Her biggest highlight was winning a maiden WTA title at the ATX Open. Other good results include third-round runs at the Australian Open and at Wimbledon.
Finally, Angelique Kerber is set to feature at the Adelaide International after Zheng’s withdrawal. The three-time Grand Slam champion played her first event in over a year at the United Cup, after being away on maternity leave. Her level at the event fluctuated somewhat, but that is understandable after so much time away from the sport.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
