Back Injury Forces Krejčíková Out of Singapore
Barbora Krejčíková has withdrawn from the WTA 500 hard-court tournament in Singapore due to a back injury. The decision hands defending champion Elise Mertens a walkover into the quarterfinals.
CANAL+ Sport CZ/SK reported the withdrawal ahead of the scheduled match. It confirmed that the Czech player could not take the court following physical treatment during her previous round.
A Grueling Opening-Round Escape
The two-time singles Grand Slam champion earned her spot in the second round on Tuesday evening. She pulled off a grueling 6-0, 5-7, 7-6 victory over Anna-Lena Friedsam after saving two match points on the return.
During the deciding set, Krejčíková began struggling with her back. That issue ultimately forced her out of the tournament before facing fourth-seeded Mertens.
Persistent Physical Setbacks
Physical setbacks have continually interrupted Krejčíková’s recent seasons. Last year, she suffered a knee injury during the Asian swing.
Throughout the current year, she has dealt with thigh issues alongside an illness that prevented her from contesting the grass-court final in ’s-Hertogenbosch. The run in Singapore marked her first main-draw match win since the Livesport Prague Open in July, temporarily halting a four-match losing streak.
Beijing Outlook and Doubles Impact
Provided her rehabilitation progresses as planned, Krejčíková is expected to compete next week in the main draw at the WTA 1000 event in Beijing.
Her withdrawal also affects the doubles draw. There, she was scheduled to partner with Polish star and Roland Garros finalist Maja Chwalińska.
Mertens Advances Without Striking a Ball
For Mertens, the path to the quarterfinals required zero on-court strokes.
Benefiting from a first-round bye as the tournament’s fourth seed and Krejčíková’s subsequent withdrawal, the defending champion advances directly to face Chwalińska.
Worth a look
