Jennifer Capriati has pulled out of this month's Watsons Water Champions Challenge at Victoria Park because of injury.
But while one superstar has withdrawn, another has taken her place as American legend Martina Navratilova will take to the court as Capriati's replacement in mixed doubles, partnering Wimbledon men's singles champion, Roger Federer. And another American, Chanda Rubin, the world number nine, will take Capriati's place in singles in the annual extravaganza scheduled from January 8-10. Capriati won the Hong Kong event in 2002, coming back from a set down to beat Russian powerhouse Elena Dementieva in the final.
Tournament co-director Terry Catton said: 'We were informed just before Christmas that Capriati was suffering from a back injury and would have to withdraw from our event, and she may sadly even have to pull out from the Australian Open. It's obviously disappointing, but we are nevertheless delighted to have secured such great players to replace Jennifer.'
Navratilova is considered the greatest-ever women's tennis player. The 47-year-old Prague-born star currently plays full-time doubles on the WTA Tour where she also competed in singles for an amazing 22 consecutive years from 1973 to 1994.
She has 58 Grand Slam titles (singles, doubles and mixed doubles), 167 tournament wins in singles and 172 wins in doubles and remains one of the game's most charismatic and respected figures.
Steve Tong, general manager of Watsons Water, said: 'With the immense interest shown in the event's mixed doubles competition and with Martina the reigning Wimbledon mixed doubles champion, it will be wonderful for Hong Kong fans to see this legendary player pairing up with Federer, this year's Wimbledon champion.'