Why Four WTA Stars Over 30 Are Missing Early 2025 Tournaments

The 30s curse is striking four prominent WTA tennis stars forcing them to withdraw from early season 2025 tournaments.

The four players are as follows:

1. Karolina Pliskova, Czech Republic

The former World No. 1, Karolina Pliskova, had ankle surgery last fall.  The 32-year-old is still recuperating.  She announced she will miss the first two months of the 2025 tennis season.  Her goal is to return in March for the Sunshine Double of Indian Wells and Miami.

Karolina Pliskova had surgery on the left ankle. Wishing her a speedy and successful recovery. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3iu1oMR7im

— LaWanda (@lawanda50) September 4, 2024

2. Simona Halep, Romania

Simona Halep has been trying to revive her career after a lengthy delay in resolving her doping tests.  The 33-year-old former World No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion was expected to play at Aukland and compete as a wildcard qualifier at the Australian Open.  She has been forced to withdraw from both events due to knee and shoulder issues.

Simona Halep has withdrawn from the Australian Open.

She’s been experiencing some knee and shoulder pain after playing in Abu Dhabi.

Hoping to see her healthy again soon.

🇷🇴❤️‍🩹 pic.twitter.com/Imgiwh3yET

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) December 26, 2024

3. Jessica Pegula, USA

American Jessica Pegula’s 2024 season was hampered by injury, and it appears 2025 is starting the same way.  The 30-year-old 2024 US Open finalist is out of the Brisbane International tournament with a knee injury.  It is unclear if she will be healthy enough to play in the Australian Open.

Jessica Pegula has withdrawn from the Brisbane International due to a knee injury. As a result Suzan Lamens from the Netherlands will take her place in the main draw.

— Brisbane International (@BrisbaneTennis) December 26, 2024

4. Ajla Tomljanovic, Australia

31-year-old Australian Ajla Tomljanovic’s career has been riddled with injuries.  She recently announced that she is dealing with a knee injury sustained at the Billie Jean King Cup in November.  This forced her to withdraw from Brisbane International and Hobart, two tournaments she enjoyed playing in front of the home fans.  Tomljanovic secured a wildcard spot into the Australian Open main draw so hopefully, she can play.

🇦🇺 Ajla Tomljanovic has pulled out from the @BrisbaneTennis where she was given a WC and @HobartTennis who were going to give her a WC ahead of Australian Open 2025. The 31 year old sustained a left knee injury in mid November at the BJK Cup. #TheFirstServe pic.twitter.com/9AmickOAj5

— The First Serve (@TheFirstServeAU) December 26, 2024

It is a long season ahead so we hope to see all of these WTA tennis stars back on tour at some point.