INDIAN WELLS, California—Defending champion Ana Ivanovic advanced into the semifinals of the 2009 BNP Paribas Open on Thursday.
Her opponent in the quarterfinals, Sybille Bammer, has withdrawn with a left shoulder injury.
“I am very disappointed that I am not able to play this quarterfinal match,” said Bammer in a statement released by the tournament. “I normally play very well here and it is a place I really enjoy. I felt that I was playing better and better every round, and had a good feeling about today’s match. Unfortunately, my shoulder injury is making it impossible for me to play. I hope that the injury heals quickly and that I am able to return to action soon.”
Bammer’s walkover has determined the semifinal line-up at Indian Wells.
The highest ranked player left in the draw, Vera Zvonareva, will play Victoria Azarenka, and Ivanovic will face seventeen year-old Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who beat Agnieszka Radwanska in straight sets earlier on Thursday.
Ivanovic and Bammer were scheduled to play the third match of the day on the stadium court. The doubles match between Maria Kirilenko/Flavia Pennetta and Victoria Azarenka/Vera Zvonareva has been moved to the main court in its place.
On the Baseline’s live coverage of the 2009 BNP Paribas Open is brought to you by Grand Slam Tennis Tours.
