Paula Badosa and Jelena Ostapenko withdraw from Abu Dhabi, cause major changes in the final draw

The two players have withdrawn from the tournament for contrasting reasons.

Paula Badosa and Jelena Ostapenko withdraw from Abu Dhabi, cause major changes in the final draw

Paula Badosa, Jelena Ostapenko (Images via Imago)

Spanish tennis ace Paula Badosa and Latvian ace Jelena Ostapenko withdrew from the Abu Dhabi Open, causing major changes to the main draw. While the top four seeds still get a bye in the first round, there are a few changes to the opening-round ties. As Badosa was set to face Anhelina Kalinina in the first round, the Ukrainian will now face a lucky loser.

Meanwhile, Jelena Ostapenko was set to meet a qualifier in the first round. With the Latvian pulling out from the tournament, two qualifiers will be now pitted against each other in the first round. The revised singles draw was released on Monday.

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The remaining fixtures of the first round remain unchanged.

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Check the article for a detailed preview of the singles draw at the Abu Dhabi Open.

Why did Jelena Ostapenko and Paula Badosa withdraw from Abu Dhabi Open?

Paula Badosa and Jelena Ostapenko have decided to give the WTA 500 tournament a miss. The two players have contrasting reasons for missing the tournament. While Ostapenko is taking some rest after clinching the title in Linz, Badosa is still recovering from the back injury she sustained during the 2024 Thailand Open.

Jelena-Ostapenko-Paula-Badosa
Jelena Ostapenko, Paula Badosa (Images via Imago)

After an early exit from the 2024 Australian Open, Badosa took part in the WTA 250 tournament in Thailand. While the Spaniard defeated Lanlana Tararudee in the first round, Badosa was forced to retire in the second round against Diana Shnaider due to a back injury. Badosa is still recovering from it and hence has decided to miss the Abu Dhabi Open.

I'm going to work with my team now 24/7 to get the inflammation down as soon as possible so I can compete soon. We keep fighting."
Paula Badosa wrote on X.

Meanwhile, Ostapenko is celebrating her title-winning performance. She was elated with her performance at the tournament and also promised to get back to the top 10 in the rankings. 

It’s really amazing to win two singles trophies this year already, and winning a doubles trophy as well, [and] playing Australian Open [doubles] final -- it’s like four tournaments and four finals, which is really great. I’m just happy with the way I’m playing this year. I think I feel like I’m more mature and more confident with my game, so it even motivates me more to work hard and get back to the Top 10.
Jelena Ostapenko said. (H/T: WTA)

Notably, Jelena Ostapenko is having a good season so far. Her win-lose ratio this year is 13:2 in singles and 9:1 in doubles. The Latvian is on the verge of breaking into the top 10.

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