First WTA 1000 of the year loses Australian Open champion - injury forces Madison Keys out

The first WTA 1000 of the season is set to begin on February 9 as the opening major event of the Middle East Swing. Despite still being over a week away, two significant withdrawals have already been confirmed, with recent Australian Open champion Madison Keys and World No. 12 Danielle Collins pulling out of the tournament.

Keys cited a thigh injury as the reason for skipping the event, making her the only top-10 player who won’t be present. The American showed no physical issues during the Australian Open, although she did play the final against Aryna Sabalenka with her thigh taped.

The world No. 7, who is about to turn 30, had a particularly demanding start to the year, with 12 consecutive triumphs in a span of 3 weeks and also won the Adelaide International title. In addition, 8 of her matches went to three sets.

The American has little to worry about in terms of ranking points, as she missed the first two months of the Tour in 2024 and only started her season at Indian Wells. Her absence will not impact her ranking position. However, she is expected to travel to Dubai, where the second WTA 1000 of the year will take place a week later. Her withdrawal directly benefits Emma Navarro, who now moves up a spot in the seedings and earns a first-round bye.

As for ‘Danimal,’ Collins is set for a longer break after reporting a lingering foot injury, ruling her out of the entire Middle East Swing. She is not expected to return to competition until the Sunshine Double in Indian Wells at the start of March. Collins reached the third round at the Australian Open before losing to eventual champion Madison Keys. Back in 2024, Collins showed early signs of what would become a strong season, reaching the quarter-finals in her debut at this tournament.

For now, the American No. 3 and No. 4 are the only confirmed absences from the top 30. The big winners were other Americans: Peyton Stearns (No. 46) and McCartney Kessler (No. 52) will take their places in the main draw, avoiding the qualy.