Picture Credit: X
Former World No. 7, USA’s Madison Keys is the recent player to withdraw from the first Grand Slam of the year, the 2024 Australian Open. Early on Friday, 5th January, the 28-year-old took to social media to confirm her decision to withdraw from the AO2024 with an injury.
“Hi everyone, unfortunately I’ve been struggling with a shoulder injury & have been advised by my medical staff to withdraw from the @AustralianOpen this year. This obviously isn’t the best news to start the tennis season, but I also know I’m making the right choice for my body,” the star player wrote in a post.
With this, Keys has become the third American women tennis player to withdraw from the tournament. Apart from Keys, Caty McNally and Lauren Davis are the other two to have dropped out of the tournament. With her withdrawal, Sara Errani of Italy has moved to the main draw.
Speaking of Keys, the 28-year-old has made it to the semifinals of the Australian Open on two occasions, first in 2015 and then in 2022. She lost in 2015 to Serena Williams and later in 2022 to Ashleigh Barty.
Wildcards for Australian Open 2024 announced
The organising body of AO 2024 announced the latest wildcard entry. Australian Daria Saville, Kason Kubler and James McCabe are among the nine players awarded a wildcard entry.
Men’s Singles wildcard entrants: James Duckworth (AUS), Marc Polmans (AUS), Adam Walton (AUS), Jason Kubler (AUS), James McCabe (AUS), Shang Juncheng (Asia Pacific), Patrick Kypson (US Exchange), Arthur Cazaux (RG Exchange).
Women’s Singles wildcard entrants: Caroline Wozniacki (DEN), Kimberly Birrell (AUS), Olivia Gadecki (AUS), Taylah Preston (AUS), Daria Saville (AUS), Mai Hontama (Asia Pacific), McCartney Kessler (US Exchange), Alize Cornet (RG Exchange).
