Janowicz Withdraws From Hopman Cup Due To Injury

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 18th December 2013

BNP Paribas 2013 Masters Tennis Tournament

Janowicz Withdraws From Hopman Cup Due To Injury

epa03931780 Jerzy Janowicz of Poland reacts during his match against Rafael Nadal of Spain during their round of eight match at the BNP Paribas 2013 Masters tennis tournament in Paris, France, 31 October 2013. EPA/IAN LANGSDON |

Wimbledon semi-finalist Jerzy Janowicz will miss the Hopman Cup next week with a foot injury sustained during the closed season, with Poland’s chances at the eight-nation team competition now rapidly diminished as a result of his absence. The big-hitter and national No. 1 will be replaced by journeyman Grzegorz Panfil, the No. 271 who will have to play out of his skull to keep up with teammate Agnieszska Radwanska, fifth in the world on the WTA.

Janowicz offered this excuse for his absence: “I injured my foot a couple of weeks ago and I was hoping it would have healed in time to play. I was very much looking forward to playing the event. Poland will be making its debut at the event and I wish Agnieszka the best of luck.”

“I hope Jerzy recovers quickly and wish him all the best. We will miss him in Perth but I’m very pleased Grzegorz is able to join me in representing Poland for the first time at the Hopman Cup,” said Radwanska.

The Janowicz absence is also good for Canada, with No. 11 Milos Raonic now facing an outsider instead of a major serving threat in their round-robin tie at the event which begins December 28.

Star power and the event now taken over by the Tennis Australia bureaucracy after two and a half relaxed decades under the hand of Paul McNamee will have to now be provided by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Czech Petra Kvitova, Americans John Isner, Sloane Stephens and for the locals, Australians Samantha Stosur and Bernard Tomic.

Topics: 10sballs.com, Agniezska Radwanska, Bernard Tomic, Grzegorz Panfil, Hopman Cup, Jerzy Janowics, Jo Wilfried Tsonga, John Isner, milos raonic, Paul Mcnamee, Petra Kvitova, Sam Stosur, Sloane Stephens, Tennis, Tennis News, Wimbledon, Wta