Top Seed Bencic Withdraws From Hong Kong Open Quarterfinals Due To Thigh Injury Amid Rising WTA Tour Injuries

Top seed and Tokyo Olympic champion Belinda Bencic withdrew from the Hong Kong Open quarter-finals due to a thigh injury, marking the latest in a series of withdrawals during the WTA Tour's taxing Asian swing. Bencic, who has made an impressive comeback to climb from a world ranking of 421 to 11 after maternity leave, had recently won the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo before succumbing to injury. The demanding late-season schedule has led to numerous players, including Naomi Osaka, Emma Raducanu, and Daria Kasatkina, ending their seasons early or pulling out of tournaments due to physical and mental exhaustion. Bencic expressed disappointment but acknowledged she had done everything possible to stay healthy. The injury withdrawals have intensified scrutiny on the WTA's scheduling pressures, with several players citing mental and emotional strain. Bencic hopes to return to Hong Kong next year, underscoring the resilience of players amidst a challenging season.