A viral illness has forced Ukrainian Lesia Tsurenko to withdraw from the Hobart International. Third seed Monica Niculescu receives a walkover into tomorrow’s singles final.
Tsurenko, the world No.61, had to withdraw from last week’s Brisbane International with the same illness and admitted she was struggling to recover.
“Unfortunately I cannot play the semifinal in Hobart,” Tsurenko said this morning. “I’m really disappointed because I’m still not feeling well and it is getting worse with playing more and more matches, which is why I’m forced to withdraw from the semifinal. I’m really hoping to feel better soon. I’m taking some more medications and really hope to be better in Melbourne.”
Niculescu, the world No.40, sent her best wishes for a speedy recovery to Tsurenko.
“I’m sorry for her but she has to feel good for the Australian Open,” Niculescu said. “It would have been a tough match if I played against her, so I wish her all the best. I wish her to be healthy.”
Niculescu was hampered by an abdominal injury in her quarterfinal win on Thursday night, but reassured fans she would be ready for tomorrow’s final.
“Definitely. I’m going to be alright,” she said. “Tomorrow I’m going to give it my best.”
The Romanian faces either Belgian Elise Mertens or Croatian Jana Fett in the final.