Five players who have withdrawn from WTA Dubai Tennis Championships 2025

Reigning Australian Open winner Madison Keys will miss the tournament.

The WTA Dubai Tennis Championships 2025 commenced on February 16, taking place at the Aviation Club Tennis Centre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. As a prestigious WTA 1000 event, the tournament offers valuable points and a handsome cash reward, making it a one of the most highly anticipated competitions in the WTA calendar.

After the conclusion of the WTA 1000 Qatar Open, which witnessed a breath-taking display of tennis along with plenty of upsets along the way, the action now shifts focus to the WTA Dubai Tennis Championships. A formidable lineup is set to grace the hardcourts of Dubai including World No. #1 and two Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek.

Some of the other big names set to feature are Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, Qinwen Zheng, Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro and defending champion Jasmine Paolini, all on the hunt for their first title of the 2025 calendar year. The Italian had defeated Anna Kalinskaya in straight sets in the final of the Qatar Open 2024, and would be hoping to repeat her heroics.

However, some key players will not compete in Dubai due to injury concerns. Today, we will take a closer look at the top five players who have withdrawn from WTA Dubai Tennis Championships 2025.

Also Read: Dubai Tennis Championships 2025: All you need to know about prize money and points on offer

Five players who have withdrawn from WTA Dubai Tennis Championships 2025

5. Katie Boulter

British No. #1 Katie Boulter will remain sidelined from professional tennis. She last competed at the 2025 Australian Open, where she lost in the second round to unseeded Veronika Kudermetova. After withdrawing from the Qatar Open, Boulter had hoped to return for Dubai, but she has now confirmed her absence from the tournament. The 28-year-old will be replaced by America’s McCartney Kessler.

4. Barbora Krejcikova

2023 Dubai Tennis Championships winner Barbora Krejcikova has also withdrawn from the WTA Dubai Tennis Championships 2025. She previously missed the Australian Open due to a lingering back injury, which is yet to heal, and then subsequently opted out of the Qatar Open.

As a result, the Czech’s return to tennis in the new year has been further delayed. At this stage, it remains uncertain when the Wimbledon champion will make her comeback. America’s Peyton Stearns will replace Krejcikova.

Also Read: Dubai Tennis Championships 2025: Live Streaming, TV Channel, where & how to watch?

3. Danielle Collins

After skipping the 2025 WTA Qatar Open, Danielle Collins remains sidelined due to a lingering foot injury. The American, who sparked controversy at the Australian Open by taunting fans and declaring she would use their money for a vacation, was recently seen enjoying the holiday she had promised.

The 31-year-old though, would be unhappy with her returns from Down Under as she was eliminated in the third round at the hands of eventual champion, Madison Keys. The American lost her place in the top-10 WTA rankings post the conclusion of the marquee event, and her withdrawal from Qatar sees her drift even further from the apex spots.

2. Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka kicked off the new year with an impressive run at the ASB Classic, finishing as the runner-up. At the 2025 Australian Open, the Japanese star cruised through her first two rounds with dominant performances. However, in the third round, she was forced to retire midway while trailing against Belinda Bencic due to an abdominal strain.

Following her showing at the Melbourne Park, the four-time Grand Slam winner skipped the Abu Dhabi Open and her absence from the women’s singles draw at the Dubai Tennis Championships 2025 indicates she will miss yet another WTA event.

Also Read: Dubai Tennis Championships: Full list of title winners

1. Madison Keys

Along expected lines, Madison Keys withdrew from the Dubai Championships after missing the Qatar Open 2025 as a result of a leg injury. The newly crowned Australian Open winner is yet to play a match post her sensational triumph over Sabalenka at Melbourne Park.

Her long lay-off from tennis indicates the gravity of the injury and further highlights how well the American did to overcome a blockbuster lineup on her way to glory.

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