The start of the 2024 French Open is now very close, with the main draw matches set to begin on Sunday. As always, the ATP and WTA entry lists are incredibly strong for a Grand Slam. Defending champion Iga Swiatek, world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka and 2022 Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina are among the top women’s players set to compete. However, four WTA players have elected to withdraw from the French Open. This article lists those who have withdrawn and then names their four replacements in the draw.
Four WTA Players Withdraw From French Open
Which Players Have Withdrawn?
Karolina Muchova was the first WTA player to withdraw from the French Open. This has been known for some time, but since her ranking would have been high enough to enter the main draw automatically, she is still officially replaced on the entry list. Last year’s runner-up in Paris has not played since the 2023 US Open due to a wrist injury. Muchova had surgery on the issue in February and is working hard to try and return to the sport.
Petra Kvitova was the second WTA player to withdraw from the French Open. Similarly to Muchova, this news has been clear for a while. The three-time Grand Slam champion has been away from the sport since becoming pregnant with her first child. It is not currently known when the Czech will return after her happy news.
Yanina Wickmayer also withdrew from the French Open. The Austrian announced on Instagram a few weeks ago that she was taking some time away from the sport due to persistent pain when she is competing. Wickmayer still hopes to return to the sport at some point but no timeline for that has been announced.
Julia Grabher was the final WTA player to withdraw from the French Open. The Austrian returned from seven months out with a serious injury in March. Since then, she has played one WTA 125 and two ITF events. However, Grabher feels she is not yet ready to compete at the high level of a Grand Slam.
Who Replaces Those Players In The Draw?
Jodie Burrage replaces Muchova at the French Open. Hopefully, the Briton will be fit to take advantage of this opportunity. Burrage has been out with an injury for the last few months, last competing in the qualifying stage of the San Diego Open at the end of February. The world No. 111 has yet to officially confirm whether she will be able to play in Paris.
Emina Bektas benefits from Kvitova’s inability to play at the French Open. The American has been in good form lately, winning a title and finishing as the runner-up at her last two tournaments on the ITF Circuit. She will hope to carry that momentum into her second career appearance at Roland-Garros.
Erika Andreeva also enters the main draw for the second Grand Slam of the year after Wickmayer’s decision to withdraw. She is yet to have much success on clay this season, with her best result being a quarterfinal appearance at a WTA 125 tournament. Nonetheless, the 19-year-old is extremely talented and is a dangerous opponent when she finds her range.
Finally, Renata Zarazua is set to make her third Grand Slam main draw appearance at the French Open. Her only previous Grand Slam victory was also at Roland Garros back in 2020. Zarazua will be hopeful that those positive memories can inspire her to further success in 2024.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
