The Thailand Open is being played for a second time in 2024 due to a vacant spot on the WTA Tour calendar. Diana Shnaider won her first title when the tournament was last played in February. Australian Open semifinalist Dayana Yastremska and nine-time Grand Slam doubles champion Katerina Siniakova are the top seeds for September’s iteration. However, six players have elected to withdraw from the Thailand Open. This article gives the names of the players who are not playing and then names their replacements in the draw.
Six Players Withdraw From Thailand Open
Which Players Have Withdrawn?
Sofia Kenin was the most high-profile player to withdraw from the Thailand Open. She has endured a challenging season, seeing her ranking plummet. The 2o20 Australian Open winner did show some positive signs by beating the 2021 champion, Emma Raducanu, at the US Open before losing to this year’s runner-up, Jessica Pegula, in a competitive match. No official reason was given for her decision not to play.
Martina Trevisan was another player to withdraw from the Thailand Open. The 2022 French Open semifinalist had a decent run to the quarterfinal of the Guadalajara Open in Mexico. Trevisan may have decided to get some rest before beginning the Asian swing at the China Open in Beijing the following week.
Wang Yafan also withdrew from the Thailand Open. The Chinese player had a shock run to the fourth round of the US Open, the first time she had been that far at a Grand Slam. Playing well at her home tournaments in Beijing and Wuhan during the Asian swing is undoubtedly crucial to her, and she probably decided to rest for those events.
Jaqueline Cristian, Chloe Paquet, and Jessica Bouzas Maneiro were the other players who withdrew.
Who Replaces Those Players in the Draw?
Rebeka Masarova is in the Thailand Open draw after Kenin elected to withdraw. The Spaniard’s last match was a narrow loss to Zeynep Sonmez at the Jasmin Open. Masarova was below her best in that contest and will hope to reach a better level in Asia.
Rebecca Sramkova takes Trevisan’s place at the Thailand Open. However, it is unclear whether she will play. The Slovakian reached the final at the Jasmin Open, which was held on Sunday. Flying from North Africa to Asia after the effort she exerted during her final run seems like a tough ask, but what she decides to do remains to be seen.
Taylah Preston benefits from Wang’s decision to withdraw. The 18-year-old is highly talented, and observing her development over the coming years will be fascinating. If she finds her best tennis, she could be an awkward draw for any player.
Jana Fett, Mai Hontama, and Alycia Parks were the other players who entered the draw.
Main Photo Credit: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports
