Barty Withdraws From Sydney; Muguruza, Krejcikova, Raducanu Lead Field
Following her Adelaide title, Ash Barty has withdrawn from the Sydney tune-up event. The tournament will still boast six of the Top 10 women including Garbine Muguruza, Barbora Krejcikova, Sofia Kenin and US Open champion Emma Raducanu.
Krejcikova will take Barty’s spot in the top of the draw as the third seed. The French champion could meet Adelaide finalist Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula or even Raducanu.
The 19-year-old Raducanu tested positive for COVID last month. She just 2-3 since her stunning US Open title, and she’ll open her 2022 season against the in-form Rybakina.
Ons Jabuer, defending champion Petra Kvitova and Anett Kontaveit are also fighting for a semifinal spot out of the top half.
In the bottom half, Spaniards Muguruza and Paula Badosa are on a semifinal collision course. Former Australian champion Kenin, Belinda Bencic and Jelena Ostapenko are also in the mix. Ostapenko and Badosa play today.
At the second WTA in Adelaide, Aryna Sabalenka and Elina Svitolina are the top two seeds. Svitolina opens against former Australian Open semifinalist Madison Keys. Coco Gauff and Marketa Vondrousova are also in the field.
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