Knee Pain Plagues Serena In Perth

The absence of Serena Williams hit United States hard as they were subjected to a Hopman Cup whitewashing by Australia Gold.

Williams was trailing 7-5 2-1 when she called it quits because of an ongoing left knee injury, with her retirement handing Australia Gold victory in both the women’s singles and doubles rubbers. “(Because of) inflammation in my knee I need to rest”.

“Maybe a day off or two will really make the world of difference”.

“I played a good match regardless of what just happened”, Wolfe said.

On Monday, she had been due to play against Ukraine, but pulled out just before the start of the match with the same problem.

It appeared to cast significant doubts over her title defense in Melbourne, where she will aim for a seventh singles title starting January 18.

After winning the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon titles past year, Williams narrowly missed completing a season Grand Slam when she lost to Roberta Vinci in the semi-finals of the US Open.

Williams’ injury has added to concerns over the fitness of a cluster of stars in the ladies’ side of the draw at the Australian Open.

“I’m disappointed to not take the court in Perth today”, said Williams after sustaining the injury while practicing ahead of USA’stie against Ukraine.

“I couldn’t wait to get out there; a fantastic atmosphere, my last night match at the Hopman Cup”, the 34-year-old said.

So, the mixed doubles would decide things.

At the Brisbane International, Australian Sam Stosur narrowly avoided another disappointment on home turf as she battled through a wrist injury and three tough sets to claim a season-opening victory yesterday.

Halep also pulled out in Brisbane after the left Achilles tendon that hampered her late a year ago flared up on Tuesday morning.

Halep had a first round bye and was due to play former world No1 Victoria Azarenka, from Belarus, in the second round.

Sharapova’s first round opponent, Ekaterina Makarova, took full advantage of the third seed’s absence, beating fellow Russian Margarita Gasparyan 6-4, 2-6, 6-3.

After the 19th-ranked Elina Svitolina upset world number 11 Karolina Pliskova in straight sets in the women’s singles, Dolgopolov clinched the tie when he beat Vesely in similar fashion 7-5, 7-6 (7/3).