Heather Watson has confirmed she will miss this month’s Australian Open but said she is expected to return from injury by the end of February.
The 33-year-old, who has been sidelined since late August with a hip tendon problem and has slipped to 269th in the world and ninth in the UK, suffered the first major injury in her 17-year career.
The last time she participated in the first round of US Open qualifying was when she lost in the first round of Wimbledon on July 1.
Watson won the mixed doubles title at Wimbledon in 2016, reached the women’s doubles quarterfinals two years later and recently resumed training.
Watson, who is in Florida for winter training, posted on Instagram that she was looking forward to getting back on the court.
“I really missed my goals and the challenges that tennis gave me every day,” she said.
“I can’t wait to play on tour again. If all goes to plan, hopefully at the end of February.
“Missing Australia this year really hurts my heart, but it also lights a fire inside me.”
