Tennis: Johanna Konta forced to abandon Brisbane International match

As if there were not enough problems already for British No1 players with right-hip injuries, Johanna Konta was forced to abandon her enthralling third-round match against Elina Svitolina of Ukraine in the Brisbane International on Thursday.

The fifth seed had impressed all week in an encouraging return to form after a string of five straight defeats – partly the result of a foot injury that struck late last season – and was bitterly disappointed not to be able to finish.

She was cruising in the first set and settled into a terrific battle in the second, before going out 6-1, 6-7 (6), 2-3.

Her surrender to the injury arrived as Britain’s leading male player – of this and several years past – Andy Murray, was also struggling with his long-term pain in the right hip.

(GUARDIAN)