Safina backs out of Brisbane International
Dinara Safina
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Dinara Safina has withdrawn from the Brisbane International with a back injury, raising speculation that she will not be fit in time for the Australian Open.
The world No.2 has been plagued by an inflammation in her lower back for the latter part of 2009 and lasted just two games before being forced to retire from the WTA Championships in Doha in October.
And after deeming herself unfit to feature in the Brisbane event with the same problem, Safina’s injury woes now look set to rule her out of the first Grand Slam of the new year, beginning on January 18.
Brisbane International Tournament Director Steve Ayles was disappointed by news of the 23-year-old’s withdrawal.
“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,” he 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.”
Despite enduring a painful end to 2009, Safina has achieved a career best season, holding the No.1 ranking for 25 weeks and reaching her first two Grand Slam finals – in Melbourne and Roland Garros.
“It’s going to be disappointing if had to skip the Australian Open, but at this stage health is more important.” – Safina
Unfortunately for the Russian, missing out on the Melbourne Slam in January would see her miss the chance to defend the ranking points she accumulated in clinching a final berth against Serena Williams in the 2009 Australian Open.
Speaking after her withdrawal from Doha in October, Safina highlighted the severity of her problem-back, professing that, if necessary, she would withdraw from the first Grand Slam of 2010 to safeguard her future health.
“It’s going to be disappointing if had to skip the Australian Open,” Safina said. “But, at this stage, health is more important.
“If my back is not healthy, what can I do? I can go to Australia, play two games and I can shake hands. If I’m not fully recovered, I’ll not play.”
