Melbourne – Elina Svitolina pulled out of her Australian Open fourth-round match against unseeded Czech Linda Noskova in tears after just three games on Monday.
Svitolina, the 19th seed in Melbourne, needed a medical time-out at 2-0 in the first set to have her lower back treated on court.
The 29-year-old Ukrainian tried to continue on the Margaret Court Arena but was unable to move freely and appeared to be in considerable discomfort as her serve was broken for the second time.
The former world number three decided she couldn’t continue and went to the net to collect.
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Nosková, world number 50, is enjoying a breakthrough tournament, including a stunning win against world number one Igo Swiatek in the third round.
“I feel sorry for Elina and I hope she recovers soon,” said the 19-year-old, who will play Ukrainian qualifier Dayana Yastremska in the round of 16.
