The Australian Open has almost arrived, with many WTA and ATP players currently fine-tuning their games for the first Grand Slam of 2026.
But withdrawals and retirements have been a common theme ahead of the Australian Open, both on the WTA Tour and ATP Tour.
Qinwen Zheng won’t play at the Australian Open, and neither will Lois Boisson nor Jack Draper, with Kei Nishikori withdrawing from Australian Open qualifying.
Moreover, Barbora Krejcikova suffered an injury scare at the Hobart International, while Jelena Ostapenko retired hurt in Adelaide.
Who is your dark horse for the 2026 Australian Open?
Marketa Vondrousova withdraws from Adelaide with injury
And Marketa Vondrousova has now become the latest player to join the worrying list right before the Australian Open.
She won her opening match at the Adelaide International, but was forced to withdraw from the event shortly after due to injury.
A statement from the Czech ace read: “Unfortunately I had to withdraw from Adelaide due to shoulder pain.
“I am focusing on treatment and recovery and hope to be back on court as soon as possible. Thank you for the support!”
It’s a very worrying update from the 26-year-old world number 34, with the Australian Open main draw starting on Sunday.
The Australian Open is the best Grand Slam… discuss!
Marketa Vondrousova made Wimbledon history in 2023
Vondrousova boasts a superb history on the WTA Tour, winning three titles and once climbing to sixth in the world rankings.
She also has an Olympic silver medal to her name, having finished runner-up to Belinda Bencic at Tokyo in 2020.
But Vondrousova undoubtedly saved her best for Wimbledon in 2023, when she went all the way at the All England Club.
Beating Ons Jabeur in the final, the Czech star became the first unseeded player to win the Wimbledon women’s singles title.
She also lost the French Open final to Ash Barty in 2019, and has twice reached the US Open quarterfinals.
The Australian Open represents her weakest Grand Slam, with Vondrousova only ever making it to the fourth round.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
