A Growing Absence List Before the First Ball Is Struck
The Singapore Open, upgraded this year from a WTA 250 to a WTA 500 event and now played on indoor hard courts in late September, is facing a significant wave of withdrawals ahead of its September 21 start. Eight players have pulled out of the draw, headlined by Jessica Pegula, who cited "long and physically demanding few weeks" as her reason for stepping away. The American, who reached the US Open semifinals, has been replaced in the draw by a qualifier. Other notable exits include Diana Shnaider, Sorana Cirstea, Anastasia Potapova, Ekaterina Alexandrova, Ann Li, and Clara Tauson, with players like Daria Kasatkina and Alycia Parks stepping in as replacements.
Bejlek Pulls Out After Strong Guadalajara Run
Perhaps the most eye-catching late withdrawal is Czech youngster Sára Bejlek, who has enjoyed a remarkable 2026 season. The 20-year-old captured her first WTA 500 title in Abu Dhabi earlier this year and followed that up with a Cincinnati semifinal run, during which she defeated world number one Aryna Sabalenka, Barbara Krejcikova, and former Australian Open champion Madison Keys. Having started the year ranked 76th, she has since climbed to a career-high of 28th. Bejlek reached the quarterfinals in Guadalajara just before the Singapore withdrawal news broke, and no injury has been reported. She has been replaced in the draw by Tatiana Prozorova.
Despite the departures, the tournament retains serious star power. French Open champion Mirra Andreeva headlines the field, former Grand Slam finalist Amanda Anisimova is present, and Alex Eala enters as the third seed. Defending champion Elise Mertens is back to defend her title. TennisDraw users tracking this event will want to update their bracket picks given how dramatically the draw has shifted.
