Hyundai Hopman Cup - An official international mixed team tennis event of the ITF in Perth, Australia

Isner struck down by injury

Big-serving American John Isner has withdrawn from the Hyundai Hopman Cup with a knee injury.

The American has been hampered all week by what he described earlier in the week as “a bit of tendonitis”.

Isner was due to play Spain’s Fernando Verdasco in the first match of today’s day session. Now, Verdasco has been awarded the match 6-0 6-0.

> Watch the live stream (Australian viewers)

With Isner out Australian junior Thanasi Kokkinakis steps in as the Team USA replacement and will face Verdasco in the first match this morning.

Spain has now been awarded the tie and will go through to Saturday night’s final as the top-placed team from Group B.

Speaking on court, Isner described the trouble that he has been having with his knee this week and his disappointment at having to pull out of an event that he has now played at on three occasions.

“I’m very very sorry to all the fans here, I really wanted to play here against Fernando, so I apologise for that and I hope you guys understand.

“I absolutely love this event, it’s my third time here and it’s very disappointing for me and it’s a tough one to swallow but for me, first and foremost I’ve got to try and get 100 per cent healthy.”

> View the Amcom live scoreboard

comments powered by Disqus