The Australian camp has insisted that Ajla Tomljanovic’s Australian Open campaign isn’t under threat after her withdrawal from another United Cup tie.
Tomljanovic, Australia’s top ranked women’s player at 33, missed Australia’s tie against Great Britain, but was expected to face Spain this week.
However, the 29-year-old pulled of the tie on the eve of her singles leg against Spain’s Paula Badosa due to what’s been reported as a minor knee injury, and has been replaced by world No.772 Zoe Hives.
READ MORE: Medvedev’s apology for crack at Aussie fans
READ MORE: Why Novak chose Kokkinakis showdown in Adelaide
READ MORE: Rugby star’s sickening sledge to opponent’s mother
Despite a second withdrawal, Hives was adamant that her teammate would be taking the court in Melbourne in a fortnight’s time.
”I think she’s all good, and she’s just making sure she’s ready for [the Australian Open],” she said when asked about Tomljanovic.
The withdrawal leaves Australia facing an uphill task against a strong Spain team which features 22-time grand slam champion Rafael Nadal, with the Aussies already without their top ranked men’s player Nick Kyrgios.
Both Australia and Spain are in Group D alongside Great Britain, which sealed a spot in the city final after beating Spain on Sunday.
The other Sydney group, Group C, features the Czech Republic, the United States and Germany with one of the three to face Great Britain in the city final. The US and Germany will face each other on Monday.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
