Updates -wimbledon champion withdraws from Australian open last-minute and issues statement.
Barbora Krejcikova, the reigning Wimbledon champion and World No.10, has announced her withdrawal from the upcoming Australian Open due to a persistent back injury. This development is a significant setback for the tournament, as Krejcikova was anticipated to be a formidable contender.
Krejcikova’s back issues first emerged during the WTA Tour’s Asian swing late last season, notably affecting her performance at the season-ending WTA Finals in Riyadh. Despite efforts to rehabilitate during the off-season, the injury has not healed sufficiently to allow her to compete at the year’s first Grand Slam.
Expressing her disappointment, Krejcikova shared on social media:
> “Unfortunately, my back injury, which troubled me at the end of last season, is still not fully healed. It’s really disappointing because I love playing in Melbourne and have such great memories from reaching the quarterfinals last year.”
Krejcikova’s absence opens opportunities for other players in the women’s singles draw. Spaniard Nuria Parrizas Diaz has been named as her replacement. Additionally, former Melbourne champion Caroline Wozniacki and Karolina Pliskova have also withdrawn from this year’s event, with their spots being filled by Yuliia Starodubtseva and Canada’s Rebecca Marino, respectively.
The Australian Open, scheduled from January 12 to 26, will proceed without these notable players. Krejcikova’s withdrawal is particularly impactful, given her impressive performance last year, where she reached the quarterfinals before losing to eventual champion Aryna Sabalenka.
As the tennis community absorbs this news, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how the women’s singles draw unfolds in the absence of these top competitors. Krejcikova’s focus now shifts to recovery, with hopes of returning to full health and resuming her successful career on the WTA Tour.
