A FORMER Wimbledon champion apologised after pulling out of her Australian Open match an hour before taking to the court.
Marketa Vondrousova won her only Grand Slam at the All England Club in 2023.
She has struggled for form and fitness in the two-and-a-half years since.
And her problematic shoulder issues that have plagued her in recent times put pay to her opening Major of 2026.
World No34 Vondrousova, who pulled out of the Adelaide tournament on Wednesday, was drawn to face Hailey Baptiste in round one of the women’s singles in Melbourne.
However, she was forced into a late withdrawal.
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The heartbroken Czech star, 26, wrote on Instagram: “I’m really sorry that I had to withdraw from the Australian Open due to ongoing shoulder issues.
“After everything I’ve been dealing with, I need to prioritise my health, even though this decision wasn’t easy.
“Thank you all for your understanding and support.”
Plenty of tennis fans sent their best wishes to Vondrousova after hearing about her latest injury woes.
One said: “Forza Marketa.”
Another wrote: “As a physio, I know this must be tough. Wishing Marketa a speedy recovery! Health first always.”
A third added: “Totally get it. Health comes first. Hope you recover and come back stronger.”
And a final user typed: “Sad to see her struggle with injuries – wish her all the best.”
Vondrousova was replaced in the draw by lucky loser Taylor Townsend, who fell at the final round of qualifying last week.
Townsend lost 6-3 6-7 6-3 to Baptiste on day one of the 2026 Australian Open.
American Baptiste will play Storm Hunter or Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in round two – with the winner likely facing No3 seed Coco Gauff in the last 32.
Elsewhere, Emma Raducanu stormed into round two with a dominant first-round win on Sunday.
The Brit, seeded 28th, beat her Thai opponent Mananchaya Sawangkaew 6-4 6-1.
But Venus Williams could not get over the line on her return to Melbourne after five years as the 45-year-old lost in three sets.
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