Third-seeded Aryna Sabalenka withdrew from Wimbledon simply hours earlier than her first-round match in opposition to Emina Bektas.
The two-time Australian Open champion had hinted Saturday that she may pull out of the event as a result of a persistent shoulder subject generally known as teres main, which primarily impacts her serve.
Sabalenka was scheduled to be second on Court One however ended her follow session Monday afternoon earlier than All England Club organizers confirmed she had been compelled to withdraw. Erika Andreeva was then granted a spot in the principle draw as a fortunate loser.
Sabalenka was thought-about one of many favorites to safe her maiden Wimbledon title on the grass.
“Heartbroken to have to tell you all that I won’t be able to play the Championships this year,” the Belarusian posted on her Instagram story. “I tried everything to get myself ready, but unfortunately, my shoulder is not cooperating. I pushed myself to the limit in practice today to try my best, but my team explained that playing would only make things much worse. This tournament means so much to me, and I promise I’ll be back stronger than ever next year.”
Sabalenka reached the Wimbledon semifinals in 2021 and 2023 however missed the 2022 version as a result of a ban on Belarusian and Russian gamers amid the continued battle in Ukraine.
Sabalenka’s withdrawal provides Andreeva, the older sister of French Open semifinalist Mirra Andreeva, a spot within the first spherical the place she’s going to face American Bektas later Monday.
Source: www.dailysabah.com