Concerns rise as Leylah Fernandez pulls out of 2024 Adelaide International before Australian Open

Leylah Fernandez has withdrawn from the WTA 500 Adelaide International, scheduled to take place from January 8 to January 13. The Canadian was confirmed in the main draw of the tournament and was two spots away from direct entry. However, before her withdrawal, she would have had to start in the qualifiers, as the last spot in the draw until that point was reserved for world No. 32 Lesia Tsurenko.

No reasons have been provided for Fernandez's absence in Adelaide, but it raises concerns just a week before the start of the 2024 Australian Open, where the Canadian has secured her position as the 31st seed.

This week, the 2021 US Open finalist participated in the United Cup with the Canadian team. Fernandez played two matches against the Chilean team, securing victories in both. First, in the women's singles against Daniela Seguel with a score of 6-2, 6-3, and in mixed doubles, partnering with Steven Diez, they defeated the team of Seguel and Tomas Barrios Vera.

In the second series, aiming for the top spot in the group, Fernandez played the women's singles against Maria Sakkari with the obligation to win to keep Canada alive in the tournament. However, the Greek player emerged victorious with a score of 7-6(2), 6-3. With the series decided in favor of Greece, Fernandez did not compete in the mixed doubles.