World number one Angelique Kerber emerges as Hong Kong Open injury doubt after China Open defeat
The US Open champion lost 6-3, 7-5 in just under 90 minutes to Ukrainian Elina Svitolina in Beijing on Thursday after playing with her right thigh taped
World number one Angelique Kerber has emerged as a doubt for next week’s Prudential Hong Kong Open after battling a leg injury during Thursday’s China Open defeat by Ukrainian Elina Svitolina.
Kerber had her right thigh taped during the last 16 encounter in Beijing as the 28-year-old German lost 6-3, 7-5 in just under 90 minutes.
The US Open champion had a break lead in each set but appeared glued to the baseline during the match and was unable to take control as Svitolina progressed to the quarter-finals.
“I know that I have to move very well when I play my game, and I couldn’t play my game like I play,” Kerber said.
“Still it’s in my schedule to play Hong Kong. It’s right after the match, so I don’t know exactly with my leg or whatever. But it’s still in my schedule.”