Key Takeaways
- Maja Chwalinska has withdrawn from the Pan Pacific Open because of a left thigh problem picked up during her title-winning campaign in Wuhan.
- The Polish second seed confirmed her withdrawal on Instagram, writing that she was “very disappointed” after rehabilitation and practice in Tokyo failed to get her match-ready.
- Lucky loser Kimberly Birrell replaced Chwalinska in the draw and advanced directly into the 2nd round to face Alycia Parks.
Polish star sidelined by thigh issue ahead of Tokyo opener
Maja Chwalinska has pulled out of the Pan Pacific Open after failing to shake off a physical issue picked up during her recent run to a maiden title in Wuhan. The Polish player entered the WTA 500 competition in Tokyo as the number 2 seed, but an ongoing leg problem prevented her from taking to the court.
Taking to social media on Monday to explain her absence, the second seed revealed her frustration at being forced to step aside before her campaign began.
“I am very disappointed to have to withdraw from the Tokyo tournament due to a left thigh injury sustained in Wuhan,” Chwalinska stated on Instagram.
Efforts fall short as lucky loser steps into second round
Chwalinska travelled to Japan early in a bid to recover in time, attempting extensive physiotherapy alongside training sessions. However, the physical problem persisted, forcing her to withdraw shortly after she had also pulled out of the Ningbo Open.
She expressed her gratitude to fans while voicing hope that she will return to play the tournament in the future.
Australian lucky loser Kimberly Birrell took Chwalinska’s vacant slot in the main draw, receiving a direct bye into the second round. Birrell will contest a quarter-final place against American Alycia Parks, who earned her spot with a 6-1, 7-6 win over Xinyu Wang.
Schedule for the remainder of the 2026 WTA Tour
Chwalinska will not drop ranking points for missing the event because she did not play in Tokyo during the 2025 season. The Polish star is not listed for upcoming stops in Chennai or Hong Kong and has not qualified for the season-ending championships, leaving her competitive prospects uncertain for the rest of 2026.
| Tournament | Category | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Pan Pacific Open | WTA 500 | October 26 to November 1 |
| Guangzhou Open | WTA 250 | October 26 to November 1 |
| Chennai Open | WTA 250 | November 2 to 8 |
| Hong Kong Open | WTA 250 | November 2 to 8 |
| WTA Finals | WTA Finals | November 8 to 15 |
Maja Chwalinska in 2026
Currently ranked no.11 (career-high), Chwalinska played her last match on the 18th of October when she beat world no.52 Sonay Kartal 2-6 6-4 6-2 in the final in Wuhan to win her 1st career title.
Presently, during this year Maja owns a composed 39-17 record. Chwalinska clinched 2 titles in 2026 in the Oeiras and Wuhan.
