Melbourne, Dec 19 (AP): Jennifer Brady has become the latest withdrawal from next month’s Australian Open and two warm-up tournaments because of injury.
Australian Open officials on Sunday confirmed the 2021 finalist would miss the tournament due to a left foot injury, and said in a tweet: “wishing you a speedy recovery Jen.”
Brady, ranked 25, made her maiden grand slam final at last year’s event at Melbourne Park , losing in straight sets to Naomi Osaka.
The 26-year-old American has not played competitively since being forced to retire from her second-round match against Jelena Ostapenko at Cincinnati in August.
Brady’s withdrawal follows that of the world fourth-ranked player, Karolina Pliskova, who announced Thursday that she would not be coming to Australia due to a right hand injury sustained during a practice session.
Earlier this month, Canada’s Bianca Andreescu said she would be taking time away from the sport to address mental health concerns, while 23-time grand slam winner Serena Williams said she would not travel down under following ‘advice from her medical team’.
Six-time Australian Open champion Roger Federer is out of the men’s draw as he continues his long recovery from knee surgery.
The Australian Open begins 17 January.