Season over as Ana Ivanovic addresses injury problems

06 September 2016 12:23

Ana Ivanovic has brought an early end to her season to address wrist and toe problems.

The former world number one has had a very disappointing year, winning just 15 matches and slipping from 16th in the rankings to 31st.

Ivanovic wrote on Twitter: "I have some disappointing news to share with you.

"Unfortunately, due to my recurring wrist injury, I have been advised by my doctor to take some time off the court in order to recover and regain my full strength.

"I have also been delaying surgery on my toe, which I broke at the Australian Open in January last year, and this is something that I will need to take care of in the upcoming weeks.

"As a result, I am very sad to say that I will not be able to continue the season and play in Asia."

Ivanovic won her only grand slam title at the French Open eight years ago and has made it past the fourth round just three times in 34 subsequent tournaments.

She had a resurgence in 2014 and finished the year ranked fifth but, a run to the semi-finals at Roland Garros last year aside, the trend since then has been sharply downwards.

The 28-year-old, who married Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger this summer, suffered her fourth straight first-round loss to Denisa Allertova at the US Open last week.

That prompted speculation her career may be heading towards its end but Ivanovic insisted she is motivated to return in 2017.

She wrote: "I can't wait to play again and be back on court fully fit in 2017."

Source: PA