Chronicle Editor
Doha — World number ten Caroline Wozniacki has become the latest star name to pull out of the Qatar Open, one of three players to withdraw from the injury-hit tournament yesterday.
The Dane was said to be suffering from a “viral illness”, according to a statement from tournament organisers in Doha.
“I’m sick, basically, It’s a short story,” she told reporters.
“Just not feeling well. I had a fever. Yeah, just don’t feel well. Gonna go back to bed and rest up.”
Wozniacki added she hoped to be well enough to play in the Dubai Tennis Championships next week.
She was joined on the sidelines by Australian world number 14 Ashleigh Barty, and 19th-ranked Caroline Garcia of France, who also both announced on Tuesday they could not play in Doha.
Barty cited a hip injury and also announced she would not play in the Dubai.
“Unfortunately, I have withdrawn from Doha and Dubai with a minor hip injury,” said Barty.
“After consulting with the WTA doctors, I have taken their advice to have a few weeks’ rest.”
No reason was given for Garcia’s absence.
— AFP.
derick.khumalo