WTA Miami Open 2026: 13 Stars Withdraw, Including Major Champions

The upcoming 2026 Miami Open promises thrilling WTA action. The entry list features stars like Aryna Sabalenka, the reigning champion and recent BNP Paribas Open winner, Elena Rybakina, and two-time Grand Slam titlist Coco Gauff. However, the tournament in Florida is facing significant setbacks, with 13 players, including three major champions, announcing their withdrawal.

Who Has Withdrawn from the Tournament?

Emma Raducanu: The 2021 US Open champion decided not to compete in the Miami Open due to illness. This decision follows her decisive 1-6, 1-6 loss to Amanda Anisimova at the BNP Paribas Open. Raducanu is expected to regain her health and be ready for the start of the clay-court season next month.

Barbora Krejcikova: The 2024 Wimbledon winner is the second player to withdraw. After defeating Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in Dubai, she was unable to continue the tournament due to a left thigh injury and subsequently missed the BNP Paribas Open. The thigh issue continues to keep her sidelined.

Marketa Vondrousova: The third Grand Slam champion who will be absent from Miami. The Czech player has been battling a persistent shoulder problem since January, which caused her to miss the Australian Open. The 2023 Wimbledon winner will now miss her fourth consecutive WTA 1000 event in 2026.

Karolina Pliskova: The former World No. 1 is the fourth player to pull out. After missing nearly the entire 2025 season with a severe left ankle injury, she made her comeback at the beginning of this year. Unfortunately, the two-time Grand Slam finalist was forced to retire from her Round-of-16 match in Dubai against Karolina Muchova due to a new injury, from which she is still recovering.

Emma Navarro: The sole American among the withdrawn players. Navarro lost an intense battle to Sonay Kartal at the BNP Paribas Open. This continues her challenging start to 2026. No official reason has been given for her decision, and she may simply be in need of a break.

Other Players: In addition to those mentioned above, Lois Boisson, Maya Joint, Julia Grabher, Sonay Kartal, Daria Kasatkina, Veronika Kudermetova, Wang Yafan, and Oksana Selekhmeteva have also confirmed they will not be participating in the Florida tournament.

Who Will Replace the Withdrawn Players in the Draw?

Several tennis players have earned the opportunity to compete in Miami thanks to these withdrawals.

Katie Boulter: The 29-year-old recently won the Ostrava Open a few weeks ago but failed to qualify for the BNP Paribas Open. Boulter can pose a threat to seeded players when she finds her rhythm.

Yulia Putintseva: One of the tour's most spirited competitors, has also entered the main draw. The Kazakhstani player has shown promising signs this season following a less successful 2025.

Alycia Parks: Replaced Pliskova. The big-hitting American gained attention for overcoming Diana Shnaider at the Dubai Tennis Championships. However, she has since lost her last four consecutive matches.

Zhang Shuai: The 37-year-old Chinese veteran will also feature in the Miami Open main draw. A few weeks prior, she had an impressive run to the semifinals of the Merida Open.

Other Replacements: Dalma Galfi, Elena-Gabriela Ruse, Simona Waltert, Oksana Selekhmeteva, Julia Grabher, Zeynep Sonmez, and three lucky losers who are yet to be confirmed, will also join the roster of participants.