Defending Bad Homburg Open champion Katerina Siniakova mysteriously withdraws from tournament

Katerina Siniakova, the current World No. 27, and defending champion of the Bad Homburg Open, has withdrawn from the tournament. Siniakova was scheduled to play a quarterfinal match against Donna Vekic. No explanation has been provided on why she suddenly withdrew.

Siniakova, 28, one-half of one of the most successful Czech Republic women's doubles team in tennis history with Barbora Krejcikova, has spent this year focusing on improving her singles ranking. Late last year, she parted ways with Krejcikova with whom she won 7 Grand Slams, the WTA Finals, and an Olympic gold medal.

Siniakova did not abandon doubles play altogether. She has played with a variety of doubles partners in 2024, most notably Coco Gauff with whom she won the French Open.

Is Katerina Siniakova ill or injured?

Naturally, fans are concerned that Katerina Siniakova could have suffered an injury or illness. Days away from the opening of Wimbledon is a terrible time for that to occur. Players are constantly juggling their need for grass court match play before Wimbledon with the desire to preserve their bodies for the two-week Grand Slam set to begin on July 1.

Siniakova is also slated to play on the Czech Republic's Paris Olympics team later in the summer and will likely partner with Krejcikova in women's doubles.

With five singles titles under her belt, it had to be something significant for her to withdraw when she was in the mix to defend her title. It is concerning that no one has discussed what is going on. The Bad Homburg Open is dealing with significant rain on Thursday that has suspended play.

With Siniakova's withdrawal, Vekic is the first player to advance to the semifinals as the other matches are on rain delay. Vekic is seeking her fifth career WTA singles title. Paula Badosa, Emma Navarro, and Caroline Wozniacki remain in contention for the Bad Homburg WTA 250 title to be decided on Saturday, June 29.

Read more on Lob and Smash