The China Open kicks off on Wednesday, 25 September, in Beijing, but the WTA 1000 tournament will be missing several top players, such as World No. 1 Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina, Danielle Collins, Ons Jabeur, Marketa Vondrousova, and Elina Svitolina, among others.
A total of 8 seeded players will be absent from the tournament, including Emma Raducanu, who pulled out due to a left foot injury suffered in Seoul last week.
Raducanu, the former US Open champion, has faced injury challenges since her victory in New York last year and will miss out on the China Open.
Similarly, Swiatek, the defending China Open champion, will also not be participating due to personal reasons.
In their absence, other notable players missing from the tournament include Elena Rybakina, Victoria Azarenka, Danielle Collins, Marketa Vondrousova, Caroline Wozniacki, Ons Jabeur, Elina Svitolina, Maria Sakkari, Linda Noskova, Caroline Garcia, and Karolina Pliskova.
Despite the unfortunate withdrawals, the field for the tournament remains strong, with Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula, Jasmina Paolini, and Coco Gauff leading the pack as the top 4 seeds.
In a 96-woman draw, the top 32 seeds receive a bye in the 10-day event, setting the stage for an exciting competition in Beijing.
