Newly topped Australian Open champion Madison Keys would have anticipated to obtain invites to extra tournaments within the coming months, however the ATX Open in Austin was pressured to drop the American after she climbed into the highest 10 within the rankings.
Keys beat the highest two seeds, Iga Swiatek and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, in Melbourne to win her first Grand Slam title, catapulting Keys, 29, into the highest 10 and a career-high seventh within the rankings.
However for the reason that Feb. 22-March 2 ATX Open is a WTA 250 occasion, just one high 10 participant is allowed within the draw until the defending champion additionally returns as a top-10 participant.
Keys had agreed to play when her rating was twenty first, however so did American world No. 6 Jessica Pegula, who will probably be collaborating within the match for the primary time.
“We love Madison and have been anticipating for months the thrill of her taking part in right here in Austin for the primary time,” match director Christo van Rensburg stated in a press release.
“Whereas we want the High 10 rule did not apply to our match, we respect the foundations of the WTA.
“That stated, Madison’s Grand Slam title and subsequent High 10 world rating are each one thing to have a good time. We will not wait to ask Madison once more to future ATX Opens.”
Keys has reached just one different Grand Slam remaining — on the US Open in 2017. Her Australian Open triumph got here in her forty sixth Grand Slam, the third most for a primary main trophy within the skilled period.
