29 Dec 2016

Double blow for ASB Classic

1:48 pm on 29 December 2016

Former world number one Ana Ivanovic and defending champion Sloane Stephens have pulled out of next week's ASB Classic in Auckland.

Sloane Stephens and Ana Ivanovic

Sloane Stephens and Ana Ivanovic Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Ivanovic, the 2008 French Open champion, announced she was retiring from professional tennis this morning with immediate effect, ruling her out of the Auckland tournament, while American Stephens also withdrew this morning with a foot injury.

The Serb is the second high-profile player to pull out of the tournament, which starts on Monday - former US Open men's champion Juan Martin del Potro withdrew from the men's field due to injury.

Ivanovic has been plagued by injuries throughout 2016 and in a live post on Facebook said she could no longer perform to her high standards while suffering multiple injuries.

The 29-year-old said she would instead focus on becoming an ambassador for the sport as well as work in the fashion industry.

Ivanovic won 15 World Tennis Association titles during her career including the ASB Classic in 2014.

Stephens defeated Germany's Julia Goerges in last year's final 7-5, 6-2.

ASB Classic tournament director remained optimistic that the two losses this morning won't be detrimental to the quality of tennis.

It is obviously very disappointing for us. Ana has been a great supporter of this event and personally a very good friend. It will be sad to not have her in Auckland and around the tennis circuit in general"

-RNZ