The Miami Open is grappling with multiple high-profile withdrawals ahead of its main-draw start on March 17 at Hard Rock Stadium. Novak Djokovic pulled out due to a right shoulder injury, while players like Barbora Krejcikova and Holger Rune also opted out. Replacements have reshaped the field amid concerns over the tennis schedule.
Main-draw action at the Miami Open is set to begin on March 17 at Hard Rock Stadium, following the conclusion of qualifying rounds. Defending champions Aryna Sabalenka and Jakub Mensik are returning after their victories last year. However, the tournament has been hit by a series of withdrawals, altering the projected draw significantly before the event starts. The withdrawals began with women's player Lois Boisson, ranked world No. 37, who has not competed since September due to injury. She was replaced by Katie Boulter, currently No. 64. Oleksandra Oliynykova and Wang Yafan also withdrew, with Oksana Selekhmeteva and Anastasia Potapova filling their spots. Prominent absentees in the women's draw include Marketa Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon champion and former No. 6; Barbora Krejcikova, a two-time Grand Slam winner and ex-No. 2; Karolina Pliskova, former No. 1 with two Grand Slam finals; Daria Kasatkina, career-high No. 8; and Veronika Kudermetova, who reached No. 9. On the men's side, Holger Rune, Tallon Griekspoor, and Jaume Munar withdrew prior to the tournament, having also missed Indian Wells. Rune and Griekspoor were anticipated seeds. Novak Djokovic, a six-time Miami champion who reached last year's final before losing to Jakub Mensik, later cited a right shoulder injury—described as not serious, with a planned return during the clay-court season. Lorenzo Sonego and Jerry Shang followed suit. These developments echo recent patterns at events like the Dubai Tennis Championships and BNP Paribas Open, where similar absences highlighted the demanding early-season schedule. Fans anticipate a competitive field despite the changes.
