Several high-profile stars have already withdrawn from major tournaments following the Australian Open.
Aryna Sabalenka pulled out of the Qatar Open along with Jessica Pegula, Iva Jovic, Naomi Osaka, and Madison Keys.
That is not the only event which has suffered a high-profile withdrawal, with Casper Ruud opting not to play the Dallas Open in the same week.
There could be a simple reason why so many high-profile players have decided to extend their break following the Australian Open.
Tennis schedule change could be the reason for Qatar Open withdrawals
There has been much debate surrounding the hectic nature of the tennis schedule and that could already be the reason for so many withdrawals.
The tennis calendar has lost a week between the Australian Open and the Qatar Open compared to last year’s schedule.
In 2025, there were two weeks between the Australian Open and the Qatar Open but that is not the case this season.
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There’s only one week this term, which could be the reason so many top players are opting out of the first WTA 1000 event of the year.
The same can be said for the gap between the Australian Open and the Dallas Open and the Rotterdam Open.
The likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev have already decided against playing the Rotterdam Open after going deep in Melbourne.
Perhaps if there was a two week break the bigger stars would be playing the likes of Qatar and Rotterdam.
What the rest of February looks like on the ATP and WTA Tour
February is usually one of the quietest months on the calendar, following the hustle and bustle of the Australian Open.
Nevertheless, there is still plenty of tennis for fans to get their teeth struck into over the shortest month of the year.
The South American swing gets underway, with tournaments set to take place in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile.
Likewise, there are Masters tournaments in Qatar and an ATP 500 event in Dubai, which several top stars are set to flock to.
ATP Tour schedule in February
- 9 February: Dallas Open, Rotterdam Open and Argentina Open
- 16 February: Qatar Open and Rio Open
- 23 February: Dubai Open, Mexican Open, and Chile Open
WTA Tour schedule in February
- 9 February: Qatar Open
- 16 February: Dubai Open,
- 23 February: Merida Open and ATX Open
The WTA Tour has fewer tournaments, but they will also stay in the Middle East for the Qatar Open and the Dubai Open.
There will also be an American event in Austin, which will feature another match by Venus Williams, after she received a wild card to the event.
