Iga Swiatek causes chaos at Emma Raducanu’s return as four top players cancel | Tennis | Sport

The Korean Open has gotten completely out of hand as all four top 10 players have cancelled their participation.

The WTA 500 in Seoul starts next week and will be Emma Raducanu’s next event.

But the tournament has now lost Iga Swiatek, just one day after several big names withdrew from the draw.

A few days before the start of the Korea Open, the field has fallen apart. World number one Swiatek is the latest player to skip the event in its first year as a 500-point event after being promoted from a WTA 250 tournament.

“My physical condition has not returned to normal since the US Open. I cannot travel to Seoul. Please understand that I have no choice but to change my schedule,” the five-time Grand Slam winner told Tennis Korea.

“I really want to visit Seoul next year and play a great game in front of Korean fans.”

This is another setback after defending champion Jessica Pegula withdrew due to a rib injury. The world No. 3 recently reached her first Grand Slam final at the US Open.

Emma Navarro also withdrew after a strong run at her home Grand Slam tournament, where she reached the semifinals. The American made it into the world’s top 10 this week and is now taking a break. She cited a “change in schedule” as the reason for her withdrawal.

World number four Elena Rybakina has still not recovered from withdrawing from the US Open following her victory in the opening match. The 25-year-old is now skipping the Korea Open due to a back injury.