2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin will not continue her clay court season at the 2024 Rouen Open after electing to withdraw from the tournament.
The 25-year-old played her first clay event of 2024 on the green clay courts of the Charleston Open in South Carolina. Unfortunately, she was defeated comprehensively by her compatriot Taylor Townsend.
It has been a very difficult start to the season in singles for the former Grand Slam champion. The defeat in Charleston was Kenin's eighth consecutive singles loss in 2024. She has only managed one main draw victory so far this season.
These singles difficulties have been somewhat surprising. Kenin had a very strong comeback season last year, which included being the runner-up at the San Diego Open and beating Coco Gauff at Wimbledon.
However, the American has had success this year in doubles. Kenin won the Miami Open doubles title with Bethanie Mattek-Sands, winning a dramatic final against Erin Routliffe and Gabriela Dabrowski.
She will not improve her singles form at the Rouen Open after electing to withdraw from the tournament. No official reason has been given for her decision to withdraw from the WTA 250 tournament in France.
Kenin may just feel she needs some time to regroup mentally. Losing so many matches in a row can drain a player. Taking a chance to refresh before returning for the WTA 1000 event in Madrid the following week could be a wise decision.
Marie Bouzkova is another player who has elected to withdraw from the Rouen Open. She made the final last week at the WTA 250 event in Bogota, where she lost to local hero Camila Osorio in straight sets.
It was still a great tournament for the Czech, who has been least comfortable on clay throughout her career. No official reason has been given for her withdrawal either.