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DOHA, QATAR – FEBRUARY 23: Kristina Mladenovic of France looks on against Veronika Kudermetova of Russia during day one of the WTA Qatar Total Open 2020 at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex on February 23, 2020 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
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DOHA, QATAR – FEBRUARY 23: Kristina Mladenovic of France looks on against Veronika Kudermetova of Russia during day one of the WTA Qatar Total Open 2020 at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex on February 23, 2020 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
World No.3 in doubles, Kristina Mladenovic has withdrawn from her doubles fixture at WTA Yarra Valley Classic, also known as WTA Melbourne 1, as a result of injuries.
Mladenovic, along with her partner Timea Babos, has withdrawn from the WTA 500 event ahead of their title defense at Australian Open 2021. Furthermore, Canadian ATP player Vasek Pospisil also withdrew from Great Ocean Road Open.
The doubles duo of Mladenovic and Babos were the #1 seed at WTA Melbourne 1. This is now a complication for the duo, as they are the defending champions at the Australian Open 2021.
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Kristina Mladenovic of France plays a backhand. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
They have since been replaced by Leylah Fernandez and Anastasia Potapova. Mladenovic also played singles at WTA Melbourne 1 but had lost in straight sets to 67th ranked Jessica Pegula. But she looked fine during the match. The WTA player might have been carrying a small niggle.
Kristina Mladenovic and her recent injury struggles
Mladenovic’s injury can be traced back to early December 2020. The French player was in Abu Dhabi playing an ITF event in preparation for the 2021 season. But in the second-round match, Mladenovic had to retire just after 25 minutes because of injury.
Zhang Shuai has withdrawn from singles due to injury.
Caroline Dolehide will replace her as alternate.
Kristina Mladenovic has withdrawn from doubles due to injury.
Babos/Mladenovic are replaced by Leylah Fernandez/Anastasia Potapova as alternates.#YarraValleyWTA
— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) February 2, 2021
Vasek Pospisil’s injury before Australian Open 2021
Furthermore, injury news doesn’t end here. Canadian player Vasek Pospisil also withdrew from Great Ocean Road Open. He was seeded 15th and his match was scheduled to start on the 2nd of February. It is said that he has a back injury which seems to be minor. But this raises questions ahead of the Australian Open 2021.
Pospisil has been in the headlines with World No.1 Novak Djokovic as they had launched their player’s association back in August 2020.
Since then, the move has seen appreciation as well as criticism. Djokovic has been at the forefront of the criticism, but Pospisil has been highly supportive of the Serbian.
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After yesterday’s successful meeting, we are excited to announce the beginning of the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA). The first player only association in tennis since 1972. #PTPA pic.twitter.com/q8H0aOdqDl
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) August 30, 2020
“Novak doesn’t get enough credit for his openness and generosity. I see it and experience it first hand behind the scenes on a regular basis. Nice memory here for the two kids,” Pospisil said.
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The injuries prior to the Aussie Open can be accounted to the lengthy lay off the players have had. Players have quarantined for 14 days before playing in Australia, and that might have taken a toll on their bodies.
READ MORE- Rafael Nadal Announces Disheartening News for Fans Ahead of Australian Open 2021
