Newly crowned Australian Open champion Madison Keys is ineligible to compete at the upcoming ATX Open after learning about an outlandish rule.
The hard court tournament hosted in Austin, Texas, is a WTA 250 event, due to commence on February 22.
Keys, who won her maiden Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park to climb to a career-high world No.7, was initially scheduled to enter.
However, because she has cracked the top-10, Keys will not be allowed to enter the event, as only one player from the top-10 is permitted to add their name in the draw, designated to last year's US Open runner-up Jessica Pegula.
"As a 250-level tournament, the ATX Open is permitted to feature just one top-10 player unless the defending champion returns as a top-10 ranked player," the tournament wrote in a statement, clarifying the rules.
"With world No. 6 Jessica Pegula already committed to the event, WTA rules prevent us from having a second top-10 player in the draw. When we entered an agreement with Madison, her ranking was world No.21.
"Now with her title wins in both Adelaide and Melbourne, her ranking has moved to world No. 7. As a result of her new ranking, Madison will, unfortunately, not be able to compete in this year’s ATX Open."
Tournament Director Christo van Rensburg also addressed the confusing issue.
"We love Madison and have been anticipating for months the excitement of her playing here in Austin for the first time," he said. "While we wish the top-10 rule didn’t apply to our tournament, we respect the rules of the WTA.
"That said, Madison’s Grand Slam title and subsequent top-10 world ranking are both something to celebrate. We can’t wait to invite Madison again to future ATX Opens.
"We remain very excited to welcome Jessica to her first-ever ATX Open next month. She’s eager to compete in Austin."
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