World No. 1 Ana Ivanovic has announced her decision to withdraw from the upcoming International Women’s Open in Eastbourne, England.
The 2008 French Open champion has an abductor injury and is still recovering from her last two weeks in Paris.
In a statement released by her official website, Ivanovic confirmed she will be skipping the biggest warm-up event before the Wimbledon Championships.
“I’m very sorry to anyone who was hoping to see me play in Eastbourne,” said Ivanovic.
“I’ve heard great things about the tournament and I was looking forward to going there, spending some time near the sea, and preparing for Wimbledon.”
Fatigue was also cited as a reason for her pullout.
“I am also mentally exhausted after the French Open,” added Ivanovic. “I am not ready to compete so soon after winning my first Grand Slam. I have taken this decision with some regret, and I hope I can finally play in Eastbourne next year.”
Eastbourne is a Tier II tournament and one of the final two grass court events before Wimbledon. Despite the absence of Ivanovic and Maria Sharapova, tournament officials are confident this year’s event will be a success.
“Although Ana’s withdrawal is disappointing news we have a world class field competing in Eastbourne this year and I am confident that spectators will enjoy a fantastic week of tennis,” said tournament director Gavin Fletcher.
“The International Women’s Open is a superb chance for sports fans to watch tennis in a unique environment as players complete their preparations ahead of The Championships, Wimbledon.”
The 2008 International Women’s Open begins on June 16, 2008.
ROTFL. This is getting really silly.
Is this really an injury, or does she just need a break? I don’t know what to believe anymore!
Exactly. Since withdrawing from the tourneys before Wimbledon has become a bandwagon, my thought is that there’s no injury – players opt to make one up to avoid the fines.
This is crazy! If the WTA, the doctors, the players and (thanks to Sharapova) the fans know the injuries are made up, why make it up? This is ridiculous! They should take the fine away and just let players drop out.