The first WTA 1000 event of the year is upon us, but several big names will be missing the 2026 Qatar Open. With the tournament coming so soon after the conclusion of the Australian Open, a number of stars have opted out of taking part in Doha.
Aryna Sabalenka Skips Qatar Open as Schedule Crunch Triggers Wave of Withdrawals
Women’s World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, 2025 Australian Open champion Madison Keys, Jessica Pegula, Naomi Osaka, and Iva Jovic are among the players who will not be taking part in the 2026 Qatar Open.
The 2026 Qatar Open is set to be affected by the withdrawal of several high-profile players. Sabalenka leads the list of absentees, citing a schedule change as the reason for skipping the Qatar Open. The beaten Australian Open finalist is expected to return to action at the Dubai Tennis Championships.
Pegula and Keys announced on the “The Player’s Box” podcast that they will miss the Qatar Open due to the tournament coming so soon after the Australian Open and the busy Sunshine Swing schedule that follows.
Osaka decided to withdraw from the Qatar Open after sustaining an injury that also forced her to withdraw from the Australian Open. Meanwhile, Belinda Bencic has withdrawn from the Qatar Open due to illness. World No. 23 Marta Kostyuk is dealing with an ankle injury that she sustained during her Australian Open first-round loss to Elsa Jacquemot.
2023 Wimbledon champion Markéta Vondroušová was forced to drop out of the Australian Open due to a shoulder injury. She has now also withdrawn from the Qatar Open. In addition, the likes of Eva Lys, Loïs Boisson, and Iva Jovic will also not be taking part in the Australian Open.
MORE: Analyzing Draws of Iga Świątek, Coco Gauff, and Others at Qatar Open 2026
Even though a number of big names are being forced to miss the Qatar Open, fans will get to see several top stars in action in Doha. The WTA 1000 line-up features six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Świątek, 2026 Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina, 2025 French Open winner Coco Gauff, and reigning champion Amanda Anisimova.
Paris Olympics gold medalist Zheng Qinwen will also be making her return to the tour at the Qatar Open after a long injury break. She will begin her campaign in the first round against Sofia Kenin.
In addition, fans can also watch the likes of Mirra Andreeva, Elina Svitolina, Victoria Mboko, and Jasmine Paolini in action at the 2026 Qatar Open. You can find out the full list of players competing at the Qatar Open here. The tournament will take place from February 8 to 14 at the hard courts of the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.
