THIRD seed Aryna Sabalenka has withdrawn from Wimbledon with a shoulder injury, while Erika Andreeva will take her place to face Emina Bektas in the first round of the Grand Slam tournament.
“It is with great sadness that I have to inform you all that I will not be able to play at The Championships this year,” Sabalenka said in a statement, as quoted by WTA, Tuesday (2/7).
“This tournament means a lot to me and I promise to come back stronger than ever next year,” he continued.
Sabalenka withdrew from her Berlin Open quarter-final once morest Anna Kalinskaya with a shoulder injury, more than a week ago.
On Saturday (29/6), he revealed to the press that his injury was to the teres major muscle and he was still not 100% fit.
The Australian Open champion said he was unable to serve without pain.
Also read: Having to Withdraw from Queen’s Club Due to Injury, Andy Murray Hopes to Appear at Wimbledon
Sabalenka practiced at Wimbledon on Monday (1/7) morning, but she decided to withdraw followingward. It marks the first time in her career that she has missed a Grand Slam tournament due to injury.
Meanwhile, 22nd seed Ekaterina Alexandrova also withdrew from the tournament due to illness.
Victoria Azarenka, the 16th seed, was also forced to withdraw from Wimbledon with a shoulder injury. The two-time semi-finalist was due to face Sloane Stephens, but was replaced in the draw by Elsa Jacquemot. (Ant/Z-1)
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