Reigning Hopman Cup champion Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has been forced from the tournament’s January lineup.
A lingering arm injury is the cause of the world No.12’s late withdrawal ahead of the January 4 start of the international mixed team tournament. Alize Cornet will now pair with former world No.24 Benoit Paire against Group B teams Australia (Casey Dellacqua, Nick Kyrgios), Great Britain (Heather Watson, Andy Murray) and Poland (Agnieszka Radwanska, Jerzy Janowicz).
“I’m disappointed I have to withdraw from the Hopman Cup as I was looking forward to returning to Perth to play with Alize,” Tsonga said.
“We had a great time there earlier this year, the fans and the atmosphere were unbelievable. But a persisting injury to my arm has given me no choice but to withdraw from the event.
“I hope to be back in Perth soon and wish Benoit and Alize the best of luck. I hope they can win another Hopman Cup trophy for France.”
The tournament was dealt a double blow on Thursday when American Jack Sock withdrew due to hip surgery, replaced by John Isner on the American team alongside Serena Williams.
“I always like playing in Perth. It’s the perfect start to the year and I always have a great time on and off the court,” Isner said.
“It’s not good to hear Jack is battling injury and I hope he gets well soon.
“I’ve been working hard in my pre-season training and I’m excited to team up with Serena. I hope we can do well.”
The injuries should see America overtake France as the tournament’s early favourite. Isner will be making his fifth appearance at the Australian Open warm-up event while world No.1 Williams has a perfect track record in Perth, claiming wins both times she has featured in 2003 and 2008.
Photo: Miguel Medina/Getty Images.
