By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Saturday, January 11, 2025
In an unexpected turn of events, out of 11 active Grand Slam champions in the women’s singles draw for the Australian Open, the 2023 Wimbledon titleholder, Marketa Vondrousova, had to withdraw just moments before the day’s matches.
Vondrousova shared her decision to withdraw on Monday from Melbourne, where she was shortly replaced in the draw by Harriet Dart from Great Britain.
Dart now steps in to compete against Croatian qualifier Jana Fett.
Marketa Vondrousova, who has only played 1.5 matches since her Wimbledon triumph (the last one being in Adelaide), withdraws from the #AusOpen just minutes before her first-round match.
Lucky loser Harriet Dart steps in to face Janna Fett. pic.twitter.com/6wAo64apnK
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 13, 2025
“I’m heartbroken to announce my withdrawal from the Australian Open due to an injury I sustained in Adelaide,” Vondrousova expressed through social media. “I was eagerly anticipating this tournament; however, my health must take precedence. I appreciate your support and hope to see you all on the court soon.”
The 25-year-old Czech player recently underwent shoulder surgery in 2024. The injury prompting her withdrawal is located in her upper leg. Just this past week in Adelaide, she left her round of 16 match in tears, unable to continue against Diana Shnaider.
During practice sessions in Melbourne, she was seen with significant strapping on her thigh but ultimately could not reach the competitive level necessary for participation.
Adding to the disappointment, Vondrousova faced a first-round exit in her title defense at Wimbledon last year when she lost to Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. This marked a notable moment in tennis history, as she became the first defending champion since 1994 to lose in the opening round of her title defense at Wimbledon.
