World No11 Nadia Petrova of Russia has been forced to withdraw from the 2009 ASB Classic featuring the Kia Motors Singles and Doubles.
The 26-year-old is currently in hospital with viral meningitis and will not be travelling to Auckland with other big events downunder also in doubt.
ASB Classic tournament director Brenda Perry received an email from Katerina Stecova, the Russian agent of Petrova which describes how keen she was to play at the ASB Classic and how she would like to make it to the city in the future.
“I am very sorry to inform you but Nadia Petrova has contracted a viral meningitis and is currently in the hospital. She was looking forward to coming to New Zealand very much but unfortunately she won’t be ready to participate in the ASB Classic this year. She is very disappointed to miss your event and hopes to play in Auckland in the next years to come. She sends her best wishes to you, fans, sponsors, and everyone who has worked so hard to put this wonderful event together. “
Tournament director, Brenda Perry, said that while she was disappointed to lose such a high-profile player, Petrova’s health is a much more serious issue.
“It’s a shame Nadia will not be coming, I know she was looking forward to playing the ASB Classic, but in this situation she is obviously in need of medical care and our thoughts go out to her,” says Perry.
The 2009 ASB Classic field features 16 different nations including players such world No4 and Olympic Champ Elena Dementieva, rising star, Caroline Wozniacki at No12 along with another couple of talented teens in Nicole Vaidisova, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and New Zealand’s Marina Erakvoic.
The ASB Classic featuring the Kia Motors singles and doubles will be played at the ASB Tennis Centre January 5-10, with qualifying January 3-4 and will feature on-court coaching for the first time as part of an initiative on Sony Ericsson WTA Tour.
The tournament will once again feature audio and video podcasting as well as live scoring too.
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