The current world No. 2, and 3-time Grand Slam finalist, Dinara Safina of Russia, is pulling out of the Brisbane International scheduled for January 3-10, 2010, because of a lingering back injury. The back pain forced Safina to quit in tears after just 12 minutes and two games into a match against Jelena Jankovic at the WTA Championships at Doha in October. Going into the tournament she was ranked No. 1, and was working to end the year at that spot. The meltdown caused her to eventually lose the top WTA ranking to Serena Williams.
“Safina was very much looking forward to starting her year in Brisbane and it is a real shame that she will not be fit in time to attend,” Tournament Director Steve Ayles said.
“I know she would have been working around the clock to try to be ready for the event but in the end time has beat her and she is still undergoing treatment. We wish her well with her return to tennis and would welcome her back to the Brisbane International in 2011.”
The field at the first event of the new season remains strong with Belgian Justine Henin returning to the sport after nearly two years away and Kim Clijsters playing a Tour event for the first time since winning the US Open in September.
Also entered: former French Open champion Ana Ivanovic and Australian Jelena Dokic.
Safina will also be racing against time to be ready for the Australian Open to be held at Melbourne Park from January 18-31.
