Murray, Kei add to Aus Open injury count
MELBOURNE:
Nadal pulled out of Brisbane at the weekend with a knee injury but said he still intends to play at Melbourne Park. Djokovic has not played since a right elbow issue forced him to quit Wimbledon in the quarter-finals. He cancelled scheduled appearances in Abu Dhabi and Doha but intends to test the injury next week at two warm-up events in Melbourne before deciding whether to embark on a tilt at a record seventh Aussie title.
“Novak is travelling to Australia where he will take part in two exhibition tournaments,” said a statement on 12-time Grand Slam winner’s website early Thursday. “After the two events, the decision will be made about his participation.”
World No 8 Jack Sock joined the growing injury list when he injured his hip at the Hopman Cup in Perth on Tuesday. Former champion Stan Wawrinka and Canada’s Milos Raonic are also returning from injuries but intend to play in Melbourne.
On the women’s side, there are question marks over the fitness of defending champion Serena Williams, who has not played competitively since giving birth four months ago. And British number one Johanna Konta retired from her Brisbane quarter-final with a right hip injury and was not sure if she would defend her Sydney International title next week. Duan Yingying on Wednesday ensured she will retain the No. 1 ranking for Australian Open. before getting his Brisbane International title defence underway with a victory against Australian wildcard entry John Millman. Karolina Pliskova kept her title defense on track with a 3-6, 7-5, 6-2 win over 2012 winner Kaia Kanepi, setting up a semi-final against Elina Svitolina.
Dimitrov won 4-6, 7-6 (8), 6-3 in his first competitive match since winning the ATP Finals, but was pushed for 2 ½ hours and finished after midnight.