Emma Raducanu, Alex Eala Among Seven Stars to Withdraw From China Open

Young tennis sensation from Philippines, Alex Eala and British star Emma Raducanu are among the few big names who are confirmed to miss competing at the upcoming China Open. After the eventful US Open 2026 at Flushing Meadows, Champion and the current world number one Elena Rybakina and her opponent in the finals, the former world number one, Aryna Sabalenka are scheduled to play at the WTA 100 event, which start from September 30, 2026.

The semi-finalists pair of American players at the US Open, Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff are also on the list to take part in the tournament that will be held in Beijing. Some of the other big names who will be seen at the tournament are Iga Swiatek, French Open winner Mira Andreeva and Wimbledon Champion Linda Noskova.

However, a few other stars will be missing in action at the China Open. One of the most prominent names among them will be the rising star, Alex Eala as she is entrenched in a sticky situation. The Philippines Tennis Association (PHILTA) has filed an official request with the WTA to offer an exemption from the mandatory China Open to Alex Eala so that she can represent her country at the upcoming Asian Games.

Skipping such a competition without an official exemption can result in a ranking penalty and also a fine. Eala, who is currently at her career’s highest ranking of 18 may slip down in the rankings if she is sanctioned for not participating in the tournament.

John Rey Tiangco, the PHILTA secretary-general said in an official statement, “We have formally requested an exemption and we respect the WTA’s process. At the same time, Alex has made her decision to represent the Philippines at the Asian Games, and we fully support her.”

Meanwhile, the former world number nine, Victoria Mboko is yet to fully recover from her knee injury that she picked earlier in the year while playing at the Queen’s Club back in June. The 20-year-old’s wait to return to the court continues, as her compatriot, world no 37 Hailey Baptiste who sustained an injury at the French Open and later underwent a surgery will also be missing in action in China.

Additionally, British tennis star, Emma Raducanu has joined the list of players to withdraw from China Open as she continues to recover from the stress fracture on her leg that she picked at Queen’s. The 23-year-old Brit, who may potentially fall out of the World’s top 100 list recently released a video from her practise session at the National Tennis Centre last week, where she was working hard to better her serve and get back to full fitness.

Here is a full list of withdrawals from the China Open so far:

• Victoria Mboko (world No 14) – replaced by Lanlana Tararudee
• Alex Eala (world No 18) – replaced by Petra Marcinko
• Hailey Baptiste (world No 37) – replaced by Katie Volynets
• Karolina Pliskova (world No 46) – replaced by Magda Linette
• Shuai Zhang (world No 55) – replaced by Maria Timofeeva
• Jacqueline Cristian (world No 56) – replaced by Alycia Parks
• Emma Raducanu (world No 97) – replaced by Hanne Vandewinkel