The main draw entry list for the WTA 500 event in Stuttgart is one of the best of the season so far. World No. 1 Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and US Open champion Coco Gauff are all set to feature at the tournament. That means several excellent players have to go through qualifying. This includes Dubai Open runner-up Anna Kalinskaya and French Open quarterfinalist Paula Badosa. However, four players have elected to withdraw from the Stuttgart Open qualifying. This article names those who have withdrawn and then lists their four replacements in the draw.
Four Players Withdraw From Stuttgart Open Qualifying
Which Players Have Withdrawn?
Danielle Collins is the most notable player to withdraw from the Stuttgart Open qualifying. She has been on one of the best runs seen in recent years in women’s tennis. Collins took her shot at glory at the Miami Open, before following that up with another title at the Charleston Open. That means she has won 13 matches in a row. After those efforts, it is understandable she did not want to go through qualifying after not receiving a wildcard for the tournament.
Kamilla Rakhimova is the second player to withdraw from the Stuttgart Open qualifying. The Russian had a difficult start to the season hard courts. But she started the clay court season very well last week with a run to the semifinal in Bogota. No official reason has been given for her decision.
Hailey Baptiste is another player who has withdrawn. Last month, the American broke into the Top 100 for the first time thanks to many good results on the ITF Circuit. It is possible that she may not want to spend time playing qualifiers after her improvements this season.
Marina Bassols Ribera is the final player to withdraw from the Stuttgart Open qualifying. The Spaniard has generally played her best tennis on clay throughout her career and will hope to show that ability in Germany.
Who Replaces Those Four Players In The Draw?
Sachia Vickery benefits from Collins’ decision to withdraw from the Stuttgart Open qualifying. The 28-year-old has endured a slow start to 2024 so far. She did come through qualifying last week in Charleston before losing in the first round to Jaqueline Cristian.
Olivia Gadecki replaces Rakhimova in the Stuttgart Open qualifying. Although the Australian has had her best results on hard courts, she is a capable clay court player and is tough to hit winners against due to her gritty defensive skills.
Jana Fett is also set to feature at the event due to Baptiste’s withdrawal. The Croatian made a perfect start to her clay court season by winning an ITF tournament in Split. It will be fascinating to observe if she can retain that level in Germany,
Finally, Ella Seidel is in the Stuttgart Open qualifying draw because Bassols Ribera has elected to withdraw. The German will attempt to use the support of a home crowd to inspire her to reach the main draw of the WTA 500 event.
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports
