A number of high-profile players have withdrawn from the China Open 2024, significantly impacting the tournament. The most notable absentee is world No. 1 Iga Świątek, who cited personal reasons for her withdrawal. Other top WTA players who will miss the event include:
- Iga Świątek (Personal reasons)
- Danielle Collins (Illness)
- Elena Rybakina (Back injury)
- Ons Jabeur (Ongoing shoulder injury)
- Victoria Azarenka (No specific reason given)
- Markéta Vondroušová (Recovery from wrist surgery)
- Maria Sakkari (Shoulder injury)
- Linda Nosková (Personal reasons)
- Elina Svitolina (Foot surgery)
These withdrawals open up the draw for other contenders apart from Aryna Sabalenka. such as home favorite Qinwen Zheng, and veterans like Caroline Wozniacki and Caroline Garcia.
One thing is sure before a ball is hit in China. The WTA schedule is clearly taking its toll.