Australian Open chaos sees champions withdraw from lead-in tournaments

Lead-in tournaments suffer the consequences of Melbourne hotel quarantine drama, with several more big names pulling out.

Naomi Osaka cited a niggling injury when withdrawing from a semi-final against Elise Mertens in the Gippsland Trophy final. Picture: Getty

The chaos of the past week in Melbourne has led to several champions withdrawing from the latter stages of several Australian Open lead-in tournaments.

Serena Williams, who withdrew from a semi-final against Ash Barty scheduled for today, was joined on the sidelines by fellow Australian Open winners Naomi Osaka and Victoria Azarenka on Saturday.

Former men’s champion Stan Wawrinka also withdrew from an event on Friday night when deciding it was not worth the risk of playing two matches in a day.

The decision by the stars is hardly surprising given the cancellation of play on Thursday due to a COVID-19 scare has compressed the schedule of the events.

The main priority for every player is the Australian Open beginning on Monday, with players guaranteed $100,000 for stepping on court in an opening round match.

Osaka cited a niggling injury when withdrawing from a semi-final against Elise Mertens in the Gippsland Trophy final.

“Sorry to Tennis Australia and the fans to have to withdraw today,” she said.

“I have a niggling injury and in light of the AO on the horizon, I need to be cautious. I look forward to competing next week.”

The three-time major winner has a testing Australian Open draw but was excited about the challenge ahead when discussing it on Friday night.

“I saw the projected draw of me. And I actually, I’m kind of excited. I like playing tough people, especially in Slams,” she said.

“Honestly I’ve never seen a projected draw come true, so I guess it will be interesting for all of us.”

Azarenka, who served strict quarantine, was due to play Anett Kontaveit in a quarterfinal of the Grampians Trophy.

Barty is into the final in the Yarra Valley Classic and awaits the winner of a clash between dual-major winner Garbine Muguruza and Marketa Vondrousova.