Organizers of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix have confirmed that two players who had entered into the draw have been forced to pull out.
China’s Qinwen Zheng, who would have been seeded in this year’s tournament, has decided against competing due to fatigue. Zheng recently reached back-to-back quarter-finals in Indian Wells and Miami. Then in her first clay court event of 2025 in Charleston, she reached the last eight again before losing to Ekaterina Alexandrova.
“Following a few long weeks in the US, my body is fatigued and needs some proper rest to recover and get me back to 100%,” the world No.8 said in a statement.
“I had a great time playing in Stuttgart last year and I am sad to miss this year’s tournament, but look very much forward to returning next year.”
Zheng has won five WTA titles so far in her career and last year was runner-up at the Australian Open to Aryna Sabalenka. She is yet to reach a Tour final so far this season.
Another player who has withdrawn from the tournament is two-time Wimbledon runner-up Ons Jabeur due to a leg injury. The Tunisian is yet to comment on her fitness since the announcement was made. In an update posted on March 24th, she confirmed that she had sustained a ‘small muscle strain’ and would be returning to action ‘as soon as her leg is fully recovered.’
Six out of the world’s seven highest-ranked players are set to play in Stuttgart. The one exception is Madison Keys. Elena Rybakina is the defending champion.
