AUSTRALIAN OPEN – The worst possible scenario has come true. Markéta Vondroušová (26) did not start her opening match at the Australian Open against American opponent Hailey Baptiste (24). The culprit is the severely strained left shoulder, with which the Wimbledon champion already had problems in the previous weeks.
She was the only Czech representative on the first day of the Australian Open. However, even before the duel with Baptiste there were concerns about Vondroušová’s health. The native of Sokolov just withdrew from the round of 16 duel at the tournament in Adelaide with home Kimberly Birrell because of a sorely tested joint.
The goal was clear: to save as much as possible the shoulder operated on two years ago. Unfortunately, it didn’t work. “I am very sorry to have to withdraw from the Australian Open due to ongoing shoulder problems. After everything I’ve been through, I need to prioritize my health, even if it wasn’t an easy decision. Thank you all for your understanding and support” said the Czech champion.
Against Baptiste, she was a clear favorite in the role. The American has lost her last five duels, including both this year, Vondroušová had a defeat against Poland’s Magdalena Frechová and a win over Ljudmila Samsonová.
Thus, Vondroušová will not participate in the fights at the first Grand Slam tournament of the year for the second year in a row. Last year, problems with an injured left thigh prevented her from starting. Vondroušová’s maxim in Melbourne remains the eight-final participation from 2021.
Due to health problems, the Czech star ended up at the second Grand Slam event in a row, and at last year’s US Open she did not participate in the quarter-final duel with Aryna Sabalenková.
The Czech tennis player will be replaced in the opening match by Taylor Townsendová, the lucky loser of the qualification, the doubles partner of Kateřina Siniaková, with whom she is defending last year’s title in Melbourne.
Australian Open results
The article was originally published for Livesport Zprávy.
