Played on outdoor clay, Iasi features one fewer withdrawal than Athens, having seven players off the entry list.
After picking up an injury in the first round of Wimbledon, Roland Garros finalist Maja Chwalinska has withdrawn, unable to take advantage of her newfound high ranking. After gaining so much momentum from her French Open run, Chwalinska’s injury is a massive setback to what should be a rise in her career.
Sorana Cirstea has withdrawn from this home tournament after winning another earlier this year. Cirstea has only been rising in the rankings since then and has just reached a new career high of No. 17 in the world. It makes sense for her to take this week off in spite of the chance to play in front of her home crowd.
After both falling to seventh seed and eventual semifinalist Coco Gauff at Wimbledon, Tamara Korpatsch and Solana Sierra will not be appearing in Iasi this week. Nadia Podoroska, who received entry into Wimbledon as an alternate, will now pay it forward as she has withdrawn. Podoroska was entered on a protected ranking along with Sara Sorribes Tormo, who also withdrew. Jil Teichmann will also not be participating.
Who Replaced Those Players in the Main Draw?
Benefiting from her compatriot Sorribes Tormo’s withdrawal, Paula Badosa gained direct entry into the tournament. After a close first-round loss at Wimbledon, Badosa won a WTA 125 and is in good form heading into this tournament. She’ll be a dangerous player to watch in the draw.
Leolia Jeanjean made it into the tournament due to Korpatch’s withdrawal, but will face top seed and home hope Jaqueline Cristian in the first round. And after losing to Simona Waltert in straight sets just last week, Katarzyna Kawa will face her once again after replacing Teichmann. The rest of the alternates have kinder draws, with Dominika Salkova replacing Cirstea and set to face a qualifier.
Following Sierra’s withdrawal, Alina Charaeva gained direct entry. Charaeva currently sits at a career high of No. 118 in the world and now has the potential to rise further. The remaining alternates, Dalma Galfi (replacing Chwalinska) and Tamara Zidansek (replacing Podoroska) are the lowest-ranked alternates alongside Kawa, currently outside the top 130.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
