The withdrawals in Memphis are less high-profile than D.C. but still have the same amount. The highest-ranked players to withdraw are Petra Marcinko and Antonia Ruzic, both of whom are ranked just outside the top 50. Ruzic has struggled to string wins together since her quarterfinal run in Dubai, while Marcinko is a few months removed from a 250 title.
Alycia Parks, who spent the two weeks after Wimbledon playing tournaments in Europe, has also withdrawn. Panna Udvardy, another withdrawal, also played the last two weeks, losing to Paula Badosa in both tournaments.
The final withdrawal from Memphis is Dayana Yastremska, who hasn’t played since Wimbledon and is in danger of falling out of the Top 100. Yastremska does have a WTA 125 title on the year, but not much success outside of that.
Who Replaced Those Players in the Main Draw?
Tatjana Maria, coming off a successful grass season as usual, replaced Marcinko in the main draw. Maria isn’t as effective an opponent on hard courts, but can still use her skills and experience to her advantage.
Taking Parks’ place is Marina Bassols Ribera, a player who has had plenty of success at the Challenger level this season. This will be Bassols Ribera’s third main-draw appearance at a Tour-level event this season, one of which being Roland Garros where she was a qualifier. The opportunity to play in a main draw without going through qualifying will be massive for her. Elvina Kalieva, replacing Udvardy, is in a similar situation, as she has played in four WTA Tour main draws this season, all of which she reached through qualifying. This will be her fifth, and her first as a direct entrant.
Katie Volynets, fresh off the Newport final, will take Ruzic’s place, and Linda Fruhvirtova will replace Yastremska.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
