)
Several top female players have either withdrawn from or are facing fitness concerns ahead of the Australian Open
Ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year, several top female players have either withdrawn or are dealing with fitness issues ahead of the Australian Open.
Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova has been forced to withdraw from the Australian Open due to a persistent back injury.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Soccer News in Nigeria from Pulse Sports
The Czech world No.10 first experienced the injury during the Asian swing last year and was visibly hampered at the WTA Finals in November.
)
"I wanted to share a quick update regarding my withdrawal from the Australian Open," Krejcikova announced on X.
She continued, "Unfortunately, my back injury, which troubled me at the end of last season, is still not fully healed. It's disappointing because I love playing in Melbourne and have such great memories from reaching the quarter-finals last year... I'm working hard to get back to full health. I can't wait to see you on the court soon."
Osaka's abdominal strain raises doubts
Two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka's participation is also in doubt after she withdrew from Sunday's Auckland Classic final with an abdominal strain.
)
12:45 - 04.01.2025
'A career first for me' - Naomi Osaka on reaching maiden final since becoming a mother
After 1000 days, Naomi Osaka has reached a final after giving birth in 2023.
Osaka retired after winning the first set against Clara Tauson, clearly in discomfort.
In a statement on Instagram, Osaka expressed a philosophical outlook, "I've come to the conclusion that what's meant for me is meant for me and maybe certain situations occur to train my mind for what's to come. Maybe there's bigger and better things on my path and I just have to continue the journey to encounter them..."
)
Swiatek dismisses injury fears
Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek has allayed fears about her fitness for the Australian Open.
)
The world No.2 declared herself fit for the Grand Slam despite appearing distressed after Poland's United Cup final loss to Coco Gauff.
Swiatek required a medical time-out during the match, admitting it was for a different issue than the left thigh problem she had in the semi-final.
"For sure, I wasn't fresh today, but I'll be good. Nothing happened really, like I was just tired," Swiatek said, attributing her condition to fatigue after a demanding schedule of five singles and two mixed doubles matches in seven days.
Swiatek, who had been out of competitive play for seven weeks following a one-month doping ban after the WTA Finals, acknowledged the initial challenge of the tournament but expressed satisfaction with her progress.
)
13:17 - 05.12.2024
Top 10 highest-earning female athletes (2024): Coco Gauff tops list with $30,000,000 as Sha'Carri Richardson is unranked
Details of the Top 10 world's highest-earning female athletes in 2024, topped by Coco Gauff as track queen Sha'Carri Richardson is unranked.
She said, "I'm for sure happy because I played some heavy hitters as well this week... I'm really happy with the week and I feel like the things I worked on really improved."
Australian Open seedings
The Polish will be the women's second seed, followed by Gauff, despite American undefeated run leading Team USA to United Cup victory.
)
Defending champion Jannik Sinner will be the top seed in the men's draw. Australian hope Alex de Minaur's strong performance at the United Cup has boosted him to No.8 in the rankings, securing him a crucial top-eight seeding and ensuring he avoids higher-ranked opponents until at least the quarter-finals.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)