Breaking News: Iga Świątek and Elena Rybakina Lead Unprecedented Exodus of 13 WTA Stars Ahead of Major Tournament
In a stunning and unprecedented turn of events, world No. 1 Iga Świątek and reigning Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina are among 13 WTA stars who have withdrawn from a major tournament, causing shockwaves throughout the tennis community. The mass exodus, which is the largest of its kind in recent history, has raised questions about the physical and mental toll the demanding tennis schedule is placing on its top players.
Sources close to the situation report that the withdrawals are due to a mix of injuries, personal reasons, and concerns over player burnout. Świątek, who has been dominant this season with multiple Grand Slam victories, cited fatigue and the need to recover physically before the year’s final stretch. “I’ve pushed myself hard this season, and while I want to compete, I need to listen to my body and take a step back to avoid further injury,” she said in a statement.
Elena Rybakina, fresh off her injury concerns, was expected to make a comeback but has also withdrawn to focus on her recovery. Rybakina expressed her disappointment, stating, “It’s never easy to miss tournaments, but I have to prioritize my health and long-term career. I’ll come back stronger.”
Alongside these two tennis superstars, several other high-profile players, including Coco Gauff, Maria Sakkari, and Aryna Sabalenka, have also pulled out of the event. While some of these players are dealing with minor injuries, others have not publicly disclosed their reasons, adding to the air of mystery surrounding the exodus.
The tournament organizers have expressed their disappointment but have affirmed their support for the players’ decisions, emphasizing the importance of athlete health and well-being. This wave of withdrawals leaves the tournament field wide open, providing an unexpected opportunity for rising stars and lower-ranked players to make a name for themselves on the big stage.
This mass withdrawal has prompted a larger conversation within the tennis world about the structure of the tour and the pressure on athletes to maintain peak performance across an increasingly demanding schedule. Many are now calling for changes that would allow players more time to rest and recover, especially in light of growing concerns about burnout and long-term injuries.
As the dust settles, fans are left wondering how this will impact the remaining tournaments and whether the top stars will be ready for the final push of the season.
