Great Britain’s Johanna Konta pulls out of Hong Kong Open due to injury
The new world number nine was set to play China’s Wang Qiang in the second round on Thursday, but is now a serious doubt for the end-of-season WTA Finals in Singapore
New world number nine Johanna Konta put her involvement at the end-of-season WTA Finals in Singapore in serious doubt on Thursday after pulling out of the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open through injury.
The Briton, who entered the top 10 for the first time last week after a run to the final of the China Open in Beijing, was set to face China’s Wang Qiang first up on Centre Court but withdrew shortly before the match with an abdominal strain.
Konta is currently ranked ninth in the ‘Race to Singapore’ standings, but could see her place at the illustrious finale come under threat with several players ranked around her in the standings still in action this week as the Asia swing of the season draws to a close.
“Yes, obviously never the ideal way to finish the tournament, never the intention when you come here to play,” said the 25-year-old.
“I really enjoy playing here in Hong Kong and I was really looking forward to making this week last as long as possible.
“It wasn’t as long as I would have liked, but I need to look after my body first. So I need to make sure I make the right decisions for my health and hopefully looking forward to coming back here next year and making it a full week here.”
Konta made the second round following a convincing 6-2, 6-2 win over compatriot Naomi Broady on Monday.
Her withdrawal leaves Heather Watson as the only British player left in the draw and she will face former world number one Caroline Wozniacki later on Thursday.
