AUCKLAND: Germany’s Julia Goerges withdrew from the Sydney International just hours after defeating Caroline Wozniacki in the WTA Auckland Classic final Sunday, joining a growing list of injury concerns for star players at the Australian Open. Organisers of the Sydney tournament, a warm-up for the first Grand Slam of the year, said the 29-year-old had pulled out with a right knee injury. The world number 14 was replaced by German Carina Witthoeft, 22, who is ranked 49th. The Australian Open, which starts on January 15, and the warm-up tournaments have been hit by numerous withdrawals by top names. Former world number one Andy Murray and Japan’s Kei Nishikori on Thursday both pulled out of the Slam due to injuries.

Source: Pakistan Today January 07, 2018 08:15 UTC