Nadia Podoroska has pulled out of the 2022 Australian Open, citing physical problems that she “struggled with throughout this last season.”
Currently ranked 84th in the world, Podoroska had her best finish during the French Open in 2020, when she advanced to the semifinals before losing to Iga Swiatek. At last year’s Australian Open, Podoroska fell to American Christina McHale in the Round of 64.
😔 #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/WFFelk3R1n— Nadia Podoroska (@nadiapodoroska) December 27, 2021
😔 #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/WFFelk3R1n
“Although in this time I learned to coexist and compete with pain, the recovery process to heal my body definitely takes more time,” Podoroska wrote on social media. “That is why together with my Tennis Positivo team we decided not to compete again until March 2022.”
The Argentinian revealed that she is heading to Alicante, Spain, where she will continue with her rehabilitation.
Podoroska’s decision is the latest in a string of Australian Open withdrawals. Serena Williams pulled out due to injury and Bianca Andreescu is skipping the tournament in favor of a mental health break.
The Australian Open begins on Jan. 17 in Melbourne.