Berdych and Youzhny Withdraw From Malaysian Open

Written by: Staff on 23rd September 2011

Berdych and Youzhny Withdraw From Malaysian Open

Czech Republic's Tomas Berdych reacts after beating Romania's Victor Crivoi in their singles tennis match on the first day of the Davis Cup World Group play off between Romania and Czech Republic in Bucharest, Romania, 16 September 2011. Berdych won 6-3, 6-3 and 7-6(4). EPA/ROBERT GHEMENT |

INJURIES FORCE BERDYCH AND YOUZHNY TO WITHDRAW FROM MALAYSIAN OPEN, KUALA LUMPUR

Tournament Director Nick Freyer is disappointed to announce that Czech Tomas Berdych and defending champion Mikhail Youzhny of Russia have been forced to withdraw from the event because of recurring injuries.

Berdych has been troubled with a shoulder injury for a few weeks now and it was this same injury that prompted him to retire from his match in the third round of the US Open while playing Janko Tipsarevic. The Czech star is particularly upset at missing the Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur, telling Nick Freyer it’s an event he looks forward to each year.

“I am really sorry I cannot make it to Kuala Lumpur this year. I have had some good results there before and I really like the city and the people,” he said. “I was always made to feel very welcome with the warm hospitality. The stadium is really nice to play in and the court surface is great for my game.

“I was really looking forward to being there again but my shoulder is still troubling me. I was able to play one singles in Davis Cup but it has flared up again and I need to rest it a few more days. I hope I can try and come back next year.”

Youzhny meanwhile has been suffering with a chronic back injury. He played an extended Davis Cup match last week and that didn’t help his back. The Russian says he needs to take some rest.

“I have to take care about my back and that means I have to have some special treatment in Moscow,” Youzhny said. “It is because of that I cannot make the trip to Kuala Lumpur. This is a tournament I like very much and last year was very successful for me. I want to say thank you for the invitation to come there and to wish all the fans of the tennis a good time.”

“We are certainly disappointed at not being able to welcome Tomas and Mikhail back to KL, have been very lucky the past two years with no significant withdrawals, but we are 100% ready to roll in all areas and the show must go on.” Freyer said.