On Thursday, the reigning champion Marketa Vondrousova broke off her match in Berlin due to injury.
Now, world number three Aryna Sabalenka, fourth-seeded Elena Rybakina, and eighth-seeded Ons Jabeur have met the same fate – just over a week before Wimbledon.
The first round of Wimbledon begins on 1 July. However, several stars on the women's side may be absent. During the tournament in Berlin, four top-ten players on the world ranking have broken off due to injury or illness.
Ons Jabeur, who reached the final last year, fought a tough battle against American Coco Gauff before being forced to break off the match due to injury. According to Gauff, the Tunisian indicated that the injury was not so severe before she withdrew.
I know she'll feel better tomorrow and should be okay for Wimbledon, Gauff said according to AFP.
Just an hour later, the next big star, Aryna Sabalenka, was forced to break off due to injury – for the first time in her career.
The Belarusian called a doctor due to pains in her shoulder and neck, but continued playing afterwards. At least for one game, before she chose to break off the match.
Earlier in the week, world number four Elena Rybakina also broke off due to illness, and reigning Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova after slipping badly.
