Hong Kong tennis fans were left disappointed yesterday when Li Na withdrew from next Monday's showdown with Danish star Caroline Wozniacki because of the ankle injury she sustained in last month's Australian Open final.
"I am very sad that I won't be able to play in Hong Kong," Li said. "Unfortunately, the ankle injury I had in the Australian Open final is still not ready for me to compete. I know I have some of the best fans in Hong Kong and I was looking forward to playing for them. I promise I will be back next year."
Earlier this month Li, 30, pulled out of the Qatar Open because of the same injury. She injured her left ankle during her 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 loss to Victoria Azarenka of Belarus in Melbourne last month.
Li fell twice, rolling her left ankle both times. On the second tumble, she fell awkwardly and hit her head on the court. It did not come as a huge surprise that she would not play in Hong Kong.
"It is very unfortunate Li has to pull out and I know no one is more disappointed than she is, but I am very pleased to be able to welcome Agnieszka," event promoter Jerry Solomon said.