Serbia's former world number one Ana Ivanovic pulled out of the China Open on Saturday due to illness, putting an end to what she called a "disappointing season".

Ivanovic was forced to withdraw from the Beijing tournament, at which she was to be the 11th seed, due to an upper respiratory tract infection, she said on her website.

"I guess having to withdraw from Beijing is an appropriate ending to a very disappointing season," the former French Open champion said.

"This trip to Asia has been a big disappointment and I have struggled with my health pretty much since I arrived. I am sorry to my supporters who were hoping to see me play here in Beijing.

"I can only look forward to coming back here next year."

Ivanovic, who is currently the world number 11, lost in the first round of the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo on Sunday to Lucie Safarova, the world's 44th-ranked player.

The 21-year-old, who has struggled with injuries for several months, also lost in the first round at the US Open, to Ukrainian Kateryna Bondarenko.

Ivanovic, who has eight career titles, said she would resume training in November.

AFP

RSS
Digg
de.li.cious
facebook
LATEST FEATURES
Khoza needs to back down Craig Urquhart says Irvin Khoza must not challenge the Safa presidency election results.
Two down with two to go (c) backpagepix With two games to go, four teams still have a chance to reach the Currie Cup semifinals...
Currie Cup a Bok fillip (c) backpagepix Danie Rossouw believes a competitive Currie Cup is essential to Springbok success...