The prestigious Charleston Open is one of two WTA tournaments this week to begin the clay court swing. Fans will flock to watch players like Australian Open champion Madison Keys and Olympic Gold Medalist Qinwen Zheng. We at LWOT already reported on three players who withdrew from the tournament. Five more players have since removed their names from the draw.
Five More Players Withdraw From Charleston Open
Which Players Have Withdrawn?
Beatriz Haddad Maia was the first player to withdraw from the Charleston Open. The Brazilian has lost six consecutive matches, making it one of the most challenging periods of her career. She does not appear to have an injury issue, and may just want some time off after a challenging period. Haddad Maia’s looming Billie Jean King Cup appearance for Team Brazil next week might also have been a consideration.
Lulu Sun was the second player to withdraw from the Charleston Open. Last year’s Wimbledon quarterfinalist’s most recent match was a surprising defeat to Mayar Sherif in the opening round of the Miami Open. The New Zealander also does not have a confirmed injury issue. Clay has been her weakest surface since she turned professional, which might have given her second thoughts about staying in the U.S. for a tournament on green clay.
Magdalena Frech was another player who decided not to compete at the Charleston Open. This is reportedly due to a right wrist injury, but the player herself has not confirmed this. She is another player struggling after five consecutive defeats. The Pole’s last win was against Haddad Maia, one of the few players on a worse run. Although most of Frech’s best results have been on hard courts, she reached her first WTA final on clay at last year’s Prague Open.
Lucia Bronzetti and clay court specialist Mayar Sherif were the other players to withdraw from the WTA 500 tournament.
Who Replaced Those Players in the Draw?
Olivia Gadecki entered the Charleston Open main draw in place of Haddad Maia. The Australian is best known for her surprising run to the final of the 2024 Guadalajara Open in September. She has a powerful and dangerous game, but it does not consistently fire like many of her colleagues in the women’s game.
Bernarda Pera was given an opportunity because of Sun’s decision to withdraw. Pera has been most comfortable on clay throughout her career since it suits her dogged and determined playing style. The 30-year-old’s ability on the dirt was proven by a run to the fourth round of the 2023 French Open.
Kyoka Okamura replaced Frech at the Charleston Open. She lost in the second round of qualifying, but a place opened up in the main draw for a lucky loser due to Frech’s withdrawal. Okamura has never been ranked inside the Top 100, and any chance to play at a big tournament is valuable.
Erika Andreeva and Hailey Baptiste were the other two players to be given places in the main draw due to Bronzetti and Sherif electing not to play at the tournament in South Carolina.
Main Photo Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
