Miami Open 2026 Faces Player Withdrawals Amid Rain Challenges

The Miami Open 2026 is currently facing a challenging situation with numerous player withdrawals due to heavy rain. Notable absentees include World No. 5 Lorenzo Musetti and six-time champion Novak Djokovic. The tournament, usually known for its excitement, is struggling with a lack of star power as it adapts to these changes. With 21 withdrawals reported, including 13 from the women's draw, the event's dynamics have shifted significantly. As replacements step in, the focus will be on how the tournament unfolds amidst these disruptions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 19, 2026, 20:42 IST

Challenges at the Miami Open 2026

The Miami Open 2026, which commenced on March 15, is currently grappling with significant challenges as heavy rainfall has led to the withdrawal of numerous top players from this ATP and WTA 1000 event. Typically, the Miami Open is celebrated for its exciting atmosphere, but this year has been overshadowed by uncertainty, with many prominent athletes missing from the competition.

As of March 17, the total number of withdrawals reached 21 after World No. 5 Lorenzo Musetti announced his exit. Musetti, a two-time Grand Slam semifinalist and the fourth seed in Miami, has been dealing with injury issues, having retired from his quarterfinal match against Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open earlier this year. He made a return to the court at Indian Wells two weeks ago but faced an early defeat. His choice to withdraw from the Miami Open seems to be a tactical one, likely aimed at preserving his ranking points for the upcoming clay-court season. A lucky loser will replace him in the draw, advancing directly to the second round.

On the men's side, the absence of Djokovic is particularly notable. The World No. 3 and 2025 Miami Open runner-up, who has won the tournament six times, is not participating this year after reaching the fourth round at Indian Wells. His withdrawal significantly impacts the tournament's competitive landscape, removing one of its most historically successful players.

In total, eight players have withdrawn from the ATP singles draw. Alongside Musetti and Djokovic, Holger Rune is out due to a long-term injury, and Tallon Griekspoor is also missing from the top-30 players. Other withdrawals include Jaume Munar, Lorenzo Sonego, Juan Manuel Cerundolo, and Jerry Shang, all of whom are being replaced by alternate entrants or lucky losers as the tournament adapts.

The women's draw has also been affected, although the situation has stabilized somewhat since Monday, with no new withdrawals reported. However, the total of 13 women pulling out remains significant. Among the notable absentees is World No. 23 and former US Open champion Emma Raducanu, who withdrew due to ongoing health issues related to a virus she contracted last month. Her struggles were apparent during her time at Indian Wells, and her absence in Miami highlights the ongoing effects of her illness.

Overall, the combination of a high number of withdrawals and weather disruptions has cast a shadow over the early stages of the Miami Open. While replacements and lucky losers have stepped in to fill the void, the tournament has undoubtedly lost some of its star appeal. As the competition progresses, all eyes will be on how the adjusted draws perform and whether the event can regain its momentum after this rocky start.