Story By: Joseph Golder, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Golder’s News And Sport
French tennis star Lucas Pouille has announced that he is abandoning plans to take part in the Australia Open because of an elbow injury.
He made the announcement this morning (Monday) on Instagram where he has 193,000 followers.
He was a semi-finalist in 2019 in Melbourne – losing to Novak Djokovic – and is currently ranked 22nd in the world. He has already had to put his 2019 season on hold after the Masters 1000 in Shanghai, and it now looks like he will be missing significant events of the 2020 season.
The news is a huge blow to the French tennis player, who currently has 1,600 points and will now lose 720 of them, relegating him to 63rd place with just 880 points.
In the statement he posted to his followers, Pouille said: “Since 9th October, we have done everything to be ready for the beginning of the year. We have followed all the instructions given by the doctors but sadly it has not been enough.
“It is a huge disappointment for me to announce that I am not going to be able to participate in the first edition of the ATP Cup nor in the Adelaide tournament, and especially that I will not be participating in the Australian Open.
“As you can imagine, I am very disappointed and sad to miss the beginning of the year but the season is long, my career is long and now my goal is to be competing at 100 percent as quickly as possible, which will allow me to come back even stronger.
“Thanks to all of you for your support, which is very important! I wish you a merry Christmas.”
According to French media, he will be out of action until at least early February.
Pouille’s fans are being supportive, with ‘Florinedsv’ saying: “Stay strong Lucas! I am disappointed for you but I know that you will come back stronger and more motivated than ever. Take care of yourself and your family, and merry Christmas!”
While ‘Zmarkic’ said: “Wishing you a fast recovery Lucas!”
And ‘Lea_kovalenko’ added: “Be strong! You will come back even stronger!”
‘Yannnick’ noted: “This gives a huge opportunity to guys like Djoko or Federer.”
Pouille made it to the semi-finals in the last Australia Open, being beaten in three sets (6-0, 6-2, 6-2) by Novak Djokovic who went on to beat Rafael Nadal in the final.
The 2020 Australian Open is a Grand Slam tennis tournament that will take place at Melbourne Park, from 20th January to 2nd February 2020.
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