Injured Italian Flavia Pennetta has withdrawn from the singles event at this week's Sydney International, but is hopeful of being fit to play in the doubles.
The world number 20 retired with a back problem in the deciding set of the Auckland Classic final on Sunday against China's Zheng Jie, who was leading 2-6, 6-3, 2-0.
Pennetta, the fourth seed in Auckland and who was chasing her 10th WTA singles crown, says she is due to have a scan to determine the exact nature of the injury.
She first felt it late in the opening set and it began causing her pain when she served.
"I hope it's not that big an injury," she said.
"I'll still go to Sydney and also have some treatment there, and then we'll take the decision Tuesday about the doubles."
The 29-year-old Pennetta had been due to play a qualifier in the first round of the Sydney singles.
In the doubles, she is again partnering Argentine Gisela Dulko, with whom she won the Australian Open title last year.
AAP
Tags: tennis, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia First posted January 08, 2012 16:45:12
This is the DVD you have been waiting for! By popular demand Bestselling USPTA Pro James Jensen has added this exciting lesson to his popular instructional library. Single players at all levels can now immediately improve their match play skills with the valuable tactics, techniques and strategies presented on this dynamic DVD. With his modern day flawless hitting form and easy to understand presentation Coach Jensen builds your Singles play into a formidable all court game your opponent’s will respect and fear. Just some of the Singles strategy, tactics and techniques Pro Jensen teaches you include. Singles play mental and physical preparation, court etiquette and sportsmanship, winning Singles patterns of play, ways to control the court and point, the day of the match, proper pre-match warm up techniques, ways of keeping your opponent confused and off balance, attacking your opponents weaknesses, what should be in your bag the day of the match, how to deal with different types of players including hard top spin pace hitters, serve and volley players, lobbers, slice and spin players, junk players and more, ways to turn the match around when your behind on sets and games, what you should do during the cross over between games, learning from your mistakes, ways of Serving to your advantage, tactics for taking your opponent out of his or her game, breaking your opponent’s rhythm and much more! This Sensational DVD is a must for all Singles Players looking to improve their wins in tournament or club play! Doubles Players will also benefit from the information presented.