The second Masters 1000 event at the Miami Open quickly follows the one that took place in Indian Wells. Unsurprisingly, there is a superb entry list for the tournament. World No. 1 Iga Swiatek and US Open champion Coco Gauff are just two of many quality players set to feature. However, four WTA players have elected to withdraw from the event. This article lists those who have withdrawn and names their four replacements in the draw.
Four WTA Players Withdraw From Miami Open
Which Players Have Withdrawn?
Last year’s French Open runner-up Karolina Muchova is the first player to withdraw from the Miami Open. This is due to a serious wrist injury that the Czech player has had for several months, which led to Muchova withdrawing from the Australian Open. She had surgery on the issue last month and it is likely to be some time before we see her back playing again.
Mirra Andreeva is the second player to withdraw from the Miami Open. The teenage prodigy suffered a surprising first-round defeat in Indian Wells to an impressive Katie Volynets. Andreeva confirmed that she has been suffering from arm tendonitis. This has led to the 16-year-old deciding to rest and recover fully for the clay court season.
Amanda Anisimova is the third player to withdraw from the tournament. The former French Open semifinalist returned to tennis at the start of the year after taking a hiatus. But she has not played a match since a run to the fourth round at the Australian Open. This is due to a muscle injury Anisimova sustained last month. She initially hoped to be back for the Indian Wells Open, but the issue has proved to be more serious than first thought.
Mayar Sherif is the final player to withdraw from the Miami Open. The Egyptian played for the first time since the Australian Open in Indian Wells, where she lost to Sloane Stephens. Sherif had been out before that match with Stephens with a back injury.
Who Replaces Those Four Players In The Draw?
Jacqueline Cristian is set to benefit from Muchova not playing at the Miami Open. The Romanian lost in the qualifying stages in Indian Wells to Storm Hunter. Not having to play in qualifying for the event in Miami is great news for her, and she will hope to make the most of that opportunity.
Camila Giorgi enters the Miami Open entry list after Andreeva’s decision to withdraw. The veteran Italian has been very consistent in the last 12 months. She demonstrated this in Indian Wells by crushing Katie Boulter in the first-round, but then not performing near that level in her next match against Linda Noskova. Giorgi’s game is always fun to watch though, and she is a welcome addition to the event.
Ashlyn Krueger replaces Anisimova at the event. The American suffered a disappointing defeat to clay court specialist Nadia Podoroska in the opening round in Indian Wells. She will hope to find some of the form that saw her win her first WTA 1000 title at the Japan Women’s Open in September last year.
Finally, Sherif’s withdrawal from the Miami Open gives an opportunity to Diana Shnaider. After losing in the second-round in Indan Wells to Maria Sakkari, she played in the WTA 125 tournament in Charleston, where she reached the final. Hence, the talented Shnaider should be feeling confident heading into Miami.
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
