Player Withdrawals
WTA launches council to reform tennis calendar by 2027
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The Women's Tennis Association has formed a new Tour Architecture Council to address player complaints about the demanding schedule. Chaired by world No. 5 Jessica Pegula, the 13-person panel will recommend changes to tournament timing, mandatory events, and penalties, aiming for implementation in 2027. The move follows widespread withdrawals from recent events like the Dubai Tennis Championships.
Several high-profile players, including Novak Djokovic, Taylor Fritz and Jack Draper, have withdrawn from the upcoming Monte Carlo Masters. Organizers confirmed the absences, citing injuries as the main reasons. The tournament, set for April 5-12, will still feature seven of the top 10 ATP-ranked players.
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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.
World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz has pulled out of the 2026 ABN AMRO Open after winning the Australian Open, leaving a strong field led by Alexander Zverev and Alex de Minaur. The ATP 500 tournament, set for February 9-15 in Rotterdam, Netherlands, will feature top players including Felix Auger-Aliassime and Daniil Medvedev. Despite the absence, seven top-20 ranked players are confirmed to compete.
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World No. 9 Belinda Bencic tops the seeds for the 2026 Abu Dhabi WTA Women's Tennis Open as she defends her title. The Swiss player receives a bye into the second round, while rising star Alex Eala faces a challenging opener against Zeynep Sonmez. Victoria Mboko has withdrawn from the event as a precaution.