Sixth seed Caroline Wozniacki has withdrawn from the Brisbane International 2014 with a niggling right shoulder injury.
The world No.10 felt tightness in her shoulder during a practice session before she arrived, deciding today to withdraw from the tournament in order to be fit for the Apia International Sydney in the week before the Australian Open.
“I thought the right decision for me was to withdraw from here. It’s obviously very disappointing because I really look forward to playing here and starting off the year here,” Wozniacki said.
“I just feel like for me it’s more important that I really get 100 per cent and make sure that it doesn’t get worse.”
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A confident Wozniacki said the scans were clear, but after a good offseason she’s not willing to take any chances as she looks to better her fourth-round performance at the 2013 Australian Open – except of course when it comes to needles.
“No, not a big fan of needles – always been afraid of them. So doing just a lot of trigger points, mostly just mobilising, massaging, trying to get all the tightness away around the shoulder as well, and the back,” she said.
“Right now I just need some good physio, good treatment, and my head is still in Sydney. I’ve been working really well and hard in this off‑season with no problems.”
The Dane began work with new coach Thomas Hogstedt in October after he finished work with Maria Sharapova following Wimbledon; the pair’s main goal is to capture the Grand Slam title that eluded her during her stint as No.1.
“It’s been going well with Thomas. We’ve been working hard and really taking advantage of this off‑season,”
“I think just minor things, a few good tips here and there and a few pointers. When you’re on a high level like you are here, all of us playing, I think it’s just minor things that can make a big difference.”
Wozniacki was scheduled for a tough encounter with Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova in the first round, who will become the new ninth seed (there will no longer be a sixth seed) and take Wozniacki’s place in the draw. Cibulkova’s spot will now be filled by a lucky loser, who will be announced later today.
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