Injury creates doubts for Ana Ivanovic’s participation in the Australian Open
Ana Ivanovic’s withdrawal from the final of the 2011 Hopman Cup to be contested on Saturday, has also created doubts of her participation in this year’s opening Grand Slam, the Australian Open, starting from January 17th
in Melbourne.
Former world number one suffered an abdominal strain during her match against Justine Henin on Thursday.
The Serbian was scheduled to play in the final of the Hopman Cup alongside world number two Novak Djokovic, however, she left the practice court earlier in the morning.
Paul McNamee who is the director of the competition later disclosed that Ana had broken down due to a stomach strain thus forcing her country out of the title battle.
The Belgian side will now play the finals in place of Serbia as per rules of the tournament. The final will feature Belgium against either United States or France. The French side overpowered Italy on Friday as Kristina Mladenovic
emerged victorious over Francesca Schiavone, who also pulled out of the match at 4-4 in the opening set as a result of injury.
As a result of Ana Ivanovic's injury, there are doubts whether she will be forced to withdraw from the upcoming Australian Open or be able to cope with it prior to the season’s first major. She is likely to reveal further details
regarding her injury later in the day as the Serbian previously also confirmed her participation in the Sydney event starting next week.
"The injury probably has implications for her, not just tomorrow. It is very unfortunate for Ana,” said Paul on Friday.
Francesca, who is currently ranked number seven in the world, retired from her match against her French foe as a result of her leg injury. She sought treatment during the match as well and did not give up until she felt completely
exhausted on the court.
In the men’s singles rubber, Nicolas Mahut of France posted a two setter victory over Potito Starace. The final match score was 6-3, 7-6 (7-2).
The United States, on the other hand, are still one win short of reaching the final at the 2011 Hopman Cup.
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