Iga Swiatek and Danielle Collins are the latest withdrawals
confirmed for the China Open, which has now lost eight significant figures,
including several Grand Slam champions. The extensive tour schedule and
injuries to several stars have forced adjustments in the entry list.
A total of eight seeded players will miss the penultimate
WTA 1000 of the season, and they are not the only notable absences as the
tournament begins on September 23.
The most significant absence is undoubtedly defending
champion and world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, who announced she would not participate
in the tournament "due to personal matters," jeopardising her chances
of staying at the top of the rankings as Aryna Sabalenka lurks nearby.
Danielle Collins is another critical withdrawal for the
tournament. The American will miss the event due to illness and loses a
significant opportunity to remain in contention for a spot in the WTA Finals.
The 31-year-old has seen her performance decline with three consecutive losses
since Wimbledon and currently sits 8th in the Race.
Four former Grand Slam champions out
2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova underwent left
wrist surgery before the US Open, ruling her out of the last Grand Slam of the
season. Although there is no official confirmation, she is likely to miss the
remainder of the season.
The 2018 Australian Open and two-time China Open champion
(2010, 2018) opted not to travel for the Asian Swing, although no official
reasons have been given. Since her return to the tour in 2023, the Danish
player has been careful with her schedule, participating in a select number of
tournaments while balancing family life. Wozniacki has spent the last few days
in St. Louis taking time off with her family.
On the other hand, 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina,
who recently parted ways with her coach Stefano Vukov, withdrew from the
tournament amid a season where she has consistently withdrawn. She has not
provided a specific reason for her absence from Beijing. Similarly, Belarusian
Victoria Azarenka, who was registered for the tournament, decided to withdraw
but will return in Wuhan two weeks later.
More big names withdraws
Injury troubles after a demanding season have forced some
players to end their competition early this year. Three-time Grand Slam
runner-up Ons Jabeur made the decision to take time off and return in 2025:
“Due to my ongoing shoulder injury, my medical team and I have made the
difficult decision to step off the tennis circuit for the rest of the season,”
she said.
Former world No. 3 Elina Svitolina has also ended her season
after undergoing foot surgery due to a recurring injury that already forced her
to finish her 2023 season early: “I am excited for the opportunity to focus on
my recovery and come back even stronger than before. I am determined to do
whatever it takes to get back on the court and compete at the highest level,”
the Ukrainian said.
Indian Wells champion Maria Sakkari has also struggled with
injuries in recent months. The Greek player missed the American hard court
swing tournaments, including the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open, and rushed
her recovery to be at the US Open, but withdrew after playing only one set in
the first round against Wang Yafan.
Other withdrawals from the draw include Czech rising star Linda
Noskova , former WTA Finals champion Caroline Garcia, and former world
No. 1 Karolina Pliskova.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
