Aryna Sabalenka became the first player to announce her withdrawal from Charleston Open. After losing to Sorana Cirstea in the Quarter-final round of the ongoing Miami Open, she made this decision.
The Charleston Open is a regular feature on the WTA Tour calendar and marks the start of the clay swing of the season. It is a WTA 500 event and the only competition on the WTA Tour that is played on green clay surface. This year the tournament is also going to celebrate its Golden Jubilee.
The Australian Open 2023 champion took to social media to break this news. She cited injury reasons for her absence without sharing any further details. However, she did thanked her fans for their support.
“Sad to announce that I have to withdraw from Charleston! I picked up an injury during one of my matches in Miami and I need time to rest and heal. I’m so sorry to the tournament and the fans. I was really looking forward to being back and playing in front of you all! Saby,” her caption read.
Her fans will hope that she return to the court healthier for the upcoming important tournaments.
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Can Aryna Sabalenka make podium finish in clay tournaments?
The 24-year old till now had a dream run this season. She started the year by winning the Adelaide International 1 tournament by beating Linda Noskova in the final. Subsequently, she was able to win her career’s maiden Grand Slam singles title, when she defeated Elena Rybakina in the final of the Australian Open 2023.
However, since then Aryna Sabalenka has not been able to win any titles. She was knocked out in the Quarter-final round of the Dubai Tennis Championships by Barbora Krejcikova and lost to Elena Rybakina in the final of the Indian Wells Open. She ended her Miami Open campaign on a disappointing note.
She has won the Madrid Open in 2021. However, last season, was difficult for the Belarusian. She was knocked out in the first round of the Madrid Open by Amanda Anisimova. In the Italian Open, she lost to Iga Swiatek and in the French Open, she lost to Camila Giorgi in the third round.
This time, however, Aryna Sabalenka is one of the top contenders to win the Roland Garros. Also, she with Elena Rybakina has emerged as challengers who can dare to end Iga Swiatek’s domination and top ranking.
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