Johanna Konta’s chances of qualifying for the WTA Finals is in jeopardy after she was forced to withdraw from the Hong Kong Open due to an abdominal injury.
The world No.9 got off to a winning start in the first round of the tournament with a straight sets dismissal of Naomi Broady earlier in the week. On course for a second round meeting with China’s Wang Quiang, the Brit announced her retirement from the event in order to focus on her health.
“I really enjoy playing here in Hong Kong and I was really looking forward to making this week last as long as possible.” Said Konta. “It wasn’t as long as I would have liked, but I need to look after my body first. So I need to make sure I make the right decisions for my health and hopefully.”
The setback comes less than a week after the 25-year-old achieved a milestone in her career. Her run to the final of the China Open last week elevated Konta inside the top 10 in her career and she has become the first British woman to achieve the landmark since Jo Durie in August 1984.
Currently eighth on the road to Singapore, the Brit could be edged out of a qualifying spot by the end of the week. Slovakia’s Dominika Cibulkova could overtake her if she progressed to the final of the Linz Open, where she is the second seed. Only the eight highest ranked players will be eligible to play at the end-of-year championships.
As the season draws to a close, Konta is currently not scheduled to play in any more tournaments this season. She could accept a late wildcard into a event next week in a bid to improve her WTA Finals chances, however, the severity of her injury is currently unknown to the public.
Current race to Singapore standings (source live-tennis.net)
1 Angelique Kerber 7995
2 Serena Williams 7050
3 Agnieszka Radwanska
4 Simona Halep 4728
5 Karolina Pliskova 4100
6 Garbine Muguruza 3707
7 Madison Keys 3557
8 Johanna Konta 3455
9 Dominika Cibulkova 3445
10 Carla Suarez Navarro 3121
