Aryna Sabalenka pulls out of Stuttgart Open as worrying statement released | Tennis | Sport

Aryna Sabalenka has confirmed her withdrawal from the Stuttgart Open in a worrying social media statement. The world’s top-ranked female player was due to compete at the tournament in Germany to step up her preparations for the French Open. However, she has been forced to pull out just days before her first match.

Sabalenka most recently played at the Miami Open, winning the tournament for the second year in a row. It came just weeks after he prevailed at Indian Wells, wrapping up the Sunshine Double with her triumph in Florida. She had hoped to maintain that form in Stuttgart, but a recent injury has forced her to withdraw.

It paints a worrying picture ahead of the next Grand Slam of the year at Roland Garros, which begins in 39 days’ time.

Taking to Instagram, Sabalenka wrote: “I’m very sad to say that I won’t be able to play the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix this year.

“I always love coming back to Stuttgart. The atmosphere, the fans and the support I feel there are so special to me, and of course, I was really hoping to have another chance to fight for that Porsche.

“Unfortunately, I suffered an injury after Miami and even though I tried everything to recover in time, I’m not ready to compete.

“I’m really sorry to miss this amazing tournament. Wishing everyone a great week in Stuttgart and I hope to see you all again very soon.”

Sabalenka would have been looking to gain some much-needed practice on clay in Stuttgart, but her withdrawal means she will be playing catch-up ahead of the French Open.

She had made the final four times from the previous five editions, including last year, and lost every single one.

It also means that other players will have a better chance to kick off their clay swing with a trophy. Six of the world’s top 10 female players will be in action, down from seven with Sabalenka’s withdrawal.

Magdalena Frech has stepped into the main draw to replace the Belarusian for the tournament, which is set to take place next week.