Svetlana Kuznetsova withdraws from the upcoming Australian swing
Two-time Grand Slam champion Svetlana Kuznetsova has been one of the most consistent players in the last 15 years, finishing inside the Top 100 in every season between 2002-2017 (nine in the top-20) and winning 18 WTA titles overall. The last so far has come in Washington this July but that wasn't enough to make an impact on the WTA list, dropping out from the Top 100 for the first time in many years and finishing the season outside that group for the first time since 2001! The problems for a former world number 2 had started last year when she struggled with a right wrist injury that required a surgery, playing just two matches after the US Open and returning only at Indian Wells after being sidelined in the opening two months of this season as well.
Svetlana never found her form, hitting the exit door after just a match or two in almost every tournament besides Washington where he received a wild card as the former champion to claim five wins and lift her first title since Moscow 2016. To make things even worse, Kuznetsova will miss the upcoming Australian swing as she is still unable to play at 100%, missing the Australian Open for the second time in a row after playing there in every season between 2002-2017. The Russian has won 35 matches in Melbourne so far, reaching the quarter-final in 2005, 2009 and 2013 and losing those matches against Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka. The 33-year-old Russian is eager to make a return and play on a high level for a few more years and we will following the news about her progress and the date of the comeback.
"Dear friends! In order to get ahead of all the rumors, I want to answer the question that worries the media and my fans. With great regret, I have to inform you that I don’t have time to recover by the beginning of the next season. I have made a difficult decision together with my team and doctors: we will give my body time to recover from injuries and then begin intensive training. In the next few days, I will undergo intensive therapy and try to keep my body in good shape. Thank you very much for your support."
from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2zPfIXm
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