Two Stars Have Injuries

Written by: Staff on 4th January 2013

Brisbane International tennis tournament

Two Stars Have Injuries

epa03522789 World no. 1, Victoria Azarenka of Belarus returns to Ksenia Pervak of Russia during their quarterfinals match at the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane, Australia, 03 January 2013. EPA/DAN PELED AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT |

A pair of high profile injuries are marring the run-up to the Australian Open, with both women’s world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka and Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga facing fitness battles.

Azarenka was forced to withdraw from her semi-final with Serena Williams due to a right toe injury, the result of a botched pedicure – likely sustained during prior to an exhibition in the Thai resort of Hua Hin south of Bangkok.

Azarenka will now be without a match before the start of the Australian Open on January 14 after announcing her inability to play half an hour before her intended semi-final start in Brisbane agaisnt Serena Williams.

The problem stemmed from a pedicure she received 10 days ago which resulted in her toe becoming infected. She is currently on a course of antibiotics with doctors advising her not to train for up to four days.

Tsonga fell victim to a hamstring injury during a match in Perth at the Hopman Cup mixed team event. The No. 8 injured himself in a singles group match with South African Kevin Anderson.

Tsonga had to quit midway through the mixed doubles tie at the hybrid teams tournament. The Sydney absence means Tsonga will head to the Australian Open starting a week from Monday with three matches under his belt in Perth.

“Unfortunately Jo-Wilfried Tsonga sustained an injury in Perth and has been forced to pull out with a left hamstring injury,” read a Sydney tournament statement. “We wish him a speedy recovery and all the best for a successful Australian Open. We look forward to welcoming him back to Sydney in 2014.”

©Daily tennis news wire

Topics: Australian Open, Hopman Cup, jo-wilfred, Serena Williams, Sports, Tennis, Victoria Azarenka