Alison Van Uytvanck will be sidelined from action for three months after confirming that she will undergo an operation on her right ankle.
The world No.53 has endured a mixed start to 2016. On the WTA Tour this year, she has won just two just two matches at tournaments in Hobart and Monterrey. On the other hand, she was impressive during the Fed cup with wins over Heather Watson, Tsvetaeva Pironkova and Jelena Ostapenko.
The upcoming operation means that the Belgian will not be able to defend her points at the French Open. Last year at Roland Garros, she enjoyed a surprise run to the quarterfinals in the tournament. Since then, Uytvanck hasn’t won a match in a Grand Slam tournament. She will also miss Belgium’s upcoming Fed Cup tie against Serbia. The Belgian Tennis Federation released a brief statement concerning the matter.
“This decision was not an easy decision for Alison Van Utyvanck, but it is the only way to get her back fully ready to play,” it reads.
“Tennis Flanders wishes her every success in her rehabilitation.”
It is also unclear if the 21-year-old will be fit in time for the Wimbledon championships, which will start three weeks after the completion of the French Open.
Uytvanck achieved a career ranking high of 41st in October last year. Besides her run at the French Open, her biggest achievement occurred in 2013 when she won the Taipei Open, a WTA 125 Series event. On the main stage of the WTA Tour, the youngster is yet to reach a final.
Alison Van Uytvanck’s 2016
WTA Tour
Auckland – R1
Hobart – R2
Australian Open – R1
Acapulco – R1
Monterrey -R2
Indian Wells – R1
Win-Loss = 2-6
Fed Cup performance against players
Heather Watson (GBR) WON
Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) WON
Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) WON
Anna Bondar (HUN) WON
Win-loss = 4-0
