BREAKING NEWS: Pegula and Rybakina Withdraw from Seoul, Anisimova and Raducanu Enter Main Draw
The 2024 Korea Open tennis tournament has been shaken up by a series of withdrawals and late entries, with Pegula and Rybakina pulling out of the event, and Anisimova and Raducanu joining the main draw.
Jessica Pegula, the American world number 10, has withdrawn from the tournament due to an ongoing injury concern. Pegula had been scheduled to face Elena Rybakina, the Kazakh world number 20, in the first round.
However, Rybakina has also withdrawn from the tournament, citing a personal reason. The withdrawal leaves a vacancy in the main draw, which has been filled by Amanda Anisimova, the American world number 25.
Anisimova, who has been in fine form recently, winning the Grand Prix de SAR La Princesse Lalla Meryem title in Morocco last week, will now face Kristina Mladenovic of France in the first round.
In another surprise move, Emma Raducanu, the British world number 11, has entered the main draw as a late replacement. Raducanu will face Sofia Kenin of the United States in the first round.
The withdrawals of Pegula and Rybakina are a major blow to the tournament, which was already missing some of its top stars. The additions of Anisimova and Raducanu add some much-needed excitement to the event.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Amanda Anisimova and Emma Raducanu to the main draw,” said Tournament Director, Kim Chong-hoon. “Their presence will undoubtedly add some excitement to the tournament, and we’re looking forward to seeing them compete.”
The 2023 Korea Open is set to get underway on September 26th at the Seoul Olympic Park Tennis Center.
