The WTA Guangzhou Open, a WTA 250, is scheduled to take place in Guangzhou China from October 26 to November 1. WTA Guangzhou has faced a series of withdrawals ahead of the tournament, with a number of changes made to the main draw. With the tournament approaching, the main draw includes several new names, while a few sports are yet to be filled by qualifiers and lucky losers.
Which Players Withdrew?
Hanne Vanderwinkel and Petra Marcinko have both withdrawn from WTA Guangzhou. Vanderwinkel has previously pulled out of the China Open in Beijing due to illness. However, it remains unclear whether her absence from Guangzhou is related to the same issue. Meanwhile, Marcinko’s official reason to withdraw from the 250 event has not been given.
Anhelina Kalinina has also withdrawn from Guangzhou. After an intense match to Jasmine Paolini at the Ningbo Open and pushing her body to an extremely draining Asian Swing, the Ukranian withdrew from Guangzhou to avoid worsening her previous injuries acquired during the season and rest.
Sara Bejlek withdrew from the tournament following fatigue after an exhausting season schedule. The 20-year-old recently lost to Marie Bouzkova at the Ningbo Open quarterfinal, and has undergone a demanding season.
Xiyu Wang completes the list of withdrawals. The Chinese player, who was schedule to play the first round against Paula Badosa, withdrew from the tournament due to illness.
Who Replaces Those Players?
Jil Teichmann has been brought into the main draw as a replacement for Petra Marcinko, while Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew will take the place of Hanne Vanderwinkel.
Sinja Kraus has secured a place in the main draw following Anna Kalinina’s withdrawal. Simona Waltert has also benefited from Sara Bejlek’s withdrawal and will take her spot in the draw.
Another spot remains to be filled after Chinese player Xiyu Wang withdrew from the tournament. Her place will be taken by a lucky loser, whose identity has yet to be confirmed.
Attention now turns to the opening-round matches as the Guangzhou Open gets underway, with several players looking to take advantage of their opportunities to compete and progress into the later rounds. The coming days will determine who can put together a strong run and finish the week with the trophy.
Main Photo Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect