Ana Ivanovic a doubt for Australian Open
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Former world number one Ana Ivanovic is hopeful she will be fit for the Australian Open despite being forced to pull out of the Hopman Cup on Friday because of a stomach injury.
A scan on the injury showed a grade one tear, the least serious, leaving her facing a race against time to be fit for the first grand slam event of the year, which begins on January 17.
"It's very frustrating," Ivanovic told reporters. "Hopefully I'll be fine for Melbourne but it's definitely a scare."
Ivanovic said she had been told to take complete rest for three-to-four days in order to let the tear heal, before beginning light training.
The former French Open champion said she first felt it during her singles match with Justine Henin on Thursday but that it was only when she tried to practice the next day that it really began to hurt.
"This morning, I was playing some points and on one serve I felt a sharp pain and I couldn't even hit or move after that.
"At this moment in time (my chances) are still very good because I stopped in time. I'm positive I will be fit."
The injury is a blow to Ivanovic's hopes of making a strong run in Melbourne, having battled back to the world's top 20 in the second half of 2010.
"It's very frustrating because this has been the case for a long time now," Ivanovic said of the latest in a line of niggling injury problems. "But I have to stay positive."
Ivanovic has already pulled out of next week's WTA event in Sydney and is now likely to request a late start at the Australian Open.
Her injury also cost Serbia their place in the final of the Hopman Cup because under the rules of the mixed team event, they are not allowed to bring in a replacement for the final.
Belgium, who finished second in their group, will advance in their place.
French Open champion Francesca Schiavone also suffered a groin injury playing for Italy against France on Friday but the problem is not thought to be serious.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments