Several more WTA Stars have committed to playing in the Prague Open in the Czech Republic and the Top Seed Open in Kentucky, with both events taking place in the second week of the WTA’s return from suspension.
World number two Simona Halep and Eugenie Bouchard were announced as the first players entered into the clay court tournament in Prague yesterday, and have now been joined by top-ten player Belinda Bencic and 2019 French Open finalist Marketa Vondrousova.
Vondrousova leads a home contingent including 2019 runner-up Barbora Strycova and Karolina Muchova, with Maria Sakkari and Elena Rybakina amongst the other stars set to be in action. Traditionally held in April, a new champion is guaranteed with none of the previous winners entered into the 32-player draw.
Making its WTA-level debut this summer, the Top Seed Open in Lexington will also feature a 32-player draw. Serena Williams was the first player announced, with Sloane Stephens announced shortly afterwards, and two more Grand Slam champions in Venus Williams and Victoria Azarenka have now confirmed their entrance into the draw.
Young American stars Coco Gauff and Amanda Anisimova will also be in action, with Aryna Sabalenka currently set to be the second seed. It seems likely that those playing in Lexington will be hoping to play in the US Open this summer, with those playing in Prague likely to skip the event in Flushing Meadows and instead focus on the rescheduled French Open.