World No. 14 Mariska Tunjung makes surprise withdrawal from Malaysia Open 2026

The organizers of the Malaysia Open 2026 recently conducted the official draw for all competition categories. The most surprising highlight was the absence of Gregoria Mariska Tunjung’s name. This came as a shock to fans, especially since the star had previously expressed her determination to mark a strong comeback at this specific event.

According to Indonesian media reports, the 26-year-old shuttler submitted her withdrawal request earlier, which was subsequently approved by the tournament organizers. However, the exact reason for this last-minute decision remains a mystery, as neither the tournament officials nor Tunjung herself have revealed any specific details regarding her condition or motivations.

With Gregoria out of the picture, all of Indonesia's hopes in the women's singles category now rest on the shoulders of Putri Kusuma Wardani. 

Currently ranked world number 6 and the nation's top-seeded player, Wardani faces immense pressure to deliver. The draw has confirmed that Wardani will face Japan's Manami Suizu in the first round. Looking back at their history, Wardani holds a psychological advantage, having defeated Suizu 2-0 in their only previous encounter at the 2024 Macau Open.

Regarding Tunjung, this withdrawal has reignited serious concerns about the 1999-born star’s health. It was recently revealed that Tunjung had submitted a formal request to the Badminton World Federation (BWF) for a "protected ranking." 

The reason cited was her ongoing struggle with vertigo, a medical condition requiring intensive treatment and a carefully managed recovery period. The BWF has officially approved this request, effective from December 30, 2025. 

This status is crucial for Tunjung as it allows her to maintain her world ranking for three to twelve months without competing, ensuring she does not lose her position while regaining full fitness.

This health crisis follows a challenging 2025 season for Tunjung, which was marked by inconsistent performances and early exits from several key international tournaments. The protected ranking is seen as a necessary move to save her career after a year that failed to meet expectations.

The Malaysia Open 2026 is a premier event within the BWF Super 1000 system, scheduled to take place from January 6 to 11 at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur. As one of the most lucrative stops on the tour, it boasts a total prize pool of $1.45 million.