The Australian Open kicks off the tennis calendar each year, which could serve as an advantage for some and a disadvantage for others.
While some players swing into action refreshed, recharged and motivated, others enter the action injured and worn out.
The reason is, pro tennis players typically get only two weeks of an official offseason before getting back on the saddle for a multi-week preseason.
Men's world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz is the first to be affected by the preseason grind, announcing his withdrawal from the Australinan Open due to a leg injury he sustained during training.
Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know. Sign up for the weekly Chicago Catch-Up newsletter here.
Preseason typically lasts anywhere between five and eight weeks and is oftentimes more intense that any competition all year.
After understanding what players endure in their preseason, it might be more clear why players are injured ahead of the 2023 Australian Open.
Which players are not playing at the 2023 Australian Open?
Sports
While the list seems to keep growing, there are currently a handful of stars that have withdrawn from the 2023 Australian Open.
Here is an ongoing tracker of players that have withdrawn:
Women:
Venus Williams (USA) - Ankle/knee
Naomi Osaka (JPN) - Pregnancy
Sara Sorribes Tormo (ESP) - Unknown
Qiang Wang (CHN) - Shoulder
Ajla Tomljanovic (AUS) - Knee
Paula Badosa (ESP) - Abductor
Saisai Zheng (CHN) - Wrist
Men:
Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) - Leg
Reilly Opelka (USA) - Hip/ankle
Kamil Majchrzak (POL) - Suspended
Marin Cilic (CRO) - Knee
Nick Kyrgios - Knee
