British number one Johanna Konta has suffered an injury setback just a week before the start of the Australian Open. The 27-year-old, ranked 37th in the world, has withdrawn from the Sydney International due to a neck problem. She retired 18 minutes into her second-round qualifying match against Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova while trailing 4-1. Elsewhere, compatriot Heather Watson booked her place in the Hobart International main draw with victory over Isabelle Wallace. Quoted on the tournament’s website, Watson said: “When I come to Hobart I’m always feeling really positive and excited about the tournament.

Source: Irish Examiner January 06, 2019 09:33 UTC