The 2021 edition of the Australian Open is already losing some big names. Dutch tennis player Kiki Bertens, currently ranked No. 9 in the world, announced on Wednesday that she will not take part in next year’s tournament.
Bertens shared the news on social media, explaining that she had to undergo surgery in order to take care of a nagging Achilles injury.
“I will miss the start of 2021, so, unfortunately, I won’t be competing in Australia,” she wrote on Instagram. “I will try my best to come back stronger as fast as I can … can’t wait to see you guys on tour soon again!”
Bertens will most likely not be the only high-profile player that will miss the trip to Australia. While the 28-year-old player is skipping the first Grand Slam of the season due to injury, others might decide to do so due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that produced the same effect in this year’s US Open and French Open.
Kiki Bertens’ best result on the Australian Open was the fourth round, which she reached this year. Bertens also has one French Open semi-final and one Wimbledon quarter-finals.
She won 10 tournaments overall in her career, while her highest ranking was No. 4 in 2019.
