Wuhan withdrawals continue to rise: Latest top 10 star pulls out as Zheng Qinwen forced to make painful decision

The Wuhan Open is the final WTA 1000 event of the 2026 campaign and one of the final chances for players to rack up crucial ranking points and fight for a big title. That prospect has been overlooked by many with two more big withdrawals being confirmed in the form of the China Open finalists.

Most significantly, Zheng Qinwen will not be participating in another tournament on home soil. She returned to her absolute best form last week, taking down the competition to win the China Open in her home capital.

It was a special occasion, and the biggest WTA title of her career was confirmed in the process. The former World No.4 would have been hopeful in kicking on and producing another glittering title run on home soil, but that is not the case with her not being set to complete the rapid turnaround.

Straight after lifting the trophy, Zheng would have originally be forced to instantly travel to Wuhan to compete in another gruelling tournament. She has made the decision not to do this, putting her health first. This means she has still only competed in the tournament once back in 2024, losing in the final against Aryna Sabalenka.

Born in Shiyan, this is as close to a home event Zheng gets on the WTA Tour, making it a bitter blow to withdraw. "I am very sorry to announce that I will not be able to participate in this year's Wuhan Open," she confirmed in a statement. "Wuhan is where my dream of becoming a professional tennis player began, and the tournament was also the stage where I made a big leap forward in the WTA 1000. I have always looked forward to the opportunity to compete in front of the fans in my hometown.

"However, since returning from my injury, I've faced a very demanding schedule over the last month and a half, competing in the US Open, the Billie Jean King Cup, and the China Open. After this intense succession of matches, my body is showing significant physical strain. I hope to return to the Wuhan Open next year and step onto the court in the best possible condition."

Andreeva has followed in suit. She would have had more leeway in terms of a turnaround with the 19-year-old getting a bye into the second round, but with the WTA Finals coming up in around a month's time, she is not taking any unnecessary risks ahead of her debut in the prestigious event.

Her campaign in Beijing was a very productive one. She rises to third in the world, a new career high, and reached a fourth WTA 1000 final and a fifth WTA final in 2026. However, she was not able to make it a fourth title this year.

The tally of top 10 players missing has gone up to four, with Andreeva confirming her intentions of not competing. This includes the World No.1 Elena Rybakina and the reigning champion, Coco Gauff. Linda Noskova was a late drop-out, with Amanda Anisimova missing out for the second year on the spin.

Three-time champion Aryna Sabalenka and the 2025 runner-up Jessica Pegula lead the charge in Wuhan. It is an important week for Iga Swiatek as he looks to get back in the WTA Finals hunt. Elina Svitolina, Karolina Muchova, Marta Kostyuk, Belinda Bencic and Iva Jovic are among the main contenders for silverware.